brain wave

noun

plural brain waves

1

a

: rhythmic fluctuations of voltage between parts of the brain resulting in the flow of an electric current

b

: a current produced by brain waves

2

: a flash of inspiration : brainstorm sense 1a

We invited the Hill Holliday ad agency in Boston to collaborate on our cover shoot, and its creative director, Lance Jensen, had a brain wave: wouldn't it be eye-catching for our pages to reflect not just the editorial look of the '60s but also the advertising idiom of the time?

—Tina Brown

Examples of brain wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The element of someone touching your head alters the brain wave pattern which results in a deep state of relaxation. —David Kubes, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Low to medium doses show a reduction in the alpha frequency of brain waves (which correspond to relaxed and wakeful states), along with rising entropy, a signature finding of sober brains sinking deeper into a trip. —Oshan Jarow, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024

Heart attack can lead to changes in sleep-promoting brain waves and immune cells that aid recovery, a new study suggests. —Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 1 Nov. 2024

Brainstem auditory evoked potential studies: This test measures brain wave activity in response to clicks. —Yuliya Klochan, Health, 19 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

brain wave

noun

: rhythmic changes in voltage between parts of the brain

Medical Definition

brain wave

noun

1

: rhythmic fluctuations of voltage between parts of the brain resulting in the flow of an electric current

2

: a current produced by brain waves compare alpha wave, beta wave