brain wave — electrical activity produced by the brain, detectable by electroencephalography
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: electrical activity produced by the brain, detectable by electroencephalography
Pronunciation (IPA): /breɪn weɪv/
Example Sentences
- My brain waves must be completely flat because I can't think of anything for this essay.
- The EEG machine recorded unusual brain wave patterns during the experiment.
- She had a brain wave and decided to use chocolate instead of vanilla in the recipe.
brain wave
NOUN[/breɪn weɪv/]
electrical activity produced by the brain, detectable by electroencephalography

She had a sudden brain wave and sketched the invention on a napkin.

Monitor the main wave, train save the brain wave!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Brain wave emerged in the early 20th century alongside developments in neuroscience, initially referring to the electrical signals generated by the brain that resemble wave patterns. The term later acquired a figurative meaning denoting a sudden, brilliant idea or inspiration.
Breakdown
brain (the organ) + wave (a propagating disturbance or oscillation) = the electrical oscillations produced by neural activity in the brain.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My brain waves must be completely flat because I can't think of anything for this essay.”
“The EEG machine recorded unusual brain wave patterns during the experiment.”
“She had a brain wave and decided to use chocolate instead of vanilla in the recipe.”
“My brain waves are apparently on vacation because I just put salt in my coffee instead of sugar.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.