-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
theta rhythm
noun
: a relatively high amplitude brain wave pattern between approximately four and nine hertz that is characteristic especially of the hippocampus
called also theta wave
Examples of theta rhythm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The firing patterns of place cells repeat about eight times per second in rats, forming what is called the theta rhythm.
—Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 8 June 2023
This theta rhythm, as it’s called, occurs in all animals that have been studied, including humans.
—Greg Miller, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2022
Mamelak and Rutishauser found that if a neuron’s response to an image synchronizes with a type of brain wave called a theta rhythm, the person is much more likely to remember what was shown.
—Amy Barth, Discover Magazine, 29 Mar. 2010
In contrast, the alternations that the UCSF team identified were precisely aligned with every other cycle of the theta rhythm.
—Quanta Magazine, 24 Feb. 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'theta rhythm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1944, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near theta rhythm
Cite this Entry
“Theta rhythm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theta%20rhythm. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
theta rhythm
noun
the·ta rhythm
ˈthāt-ə-, British usually ˈthēt-ə-
: a relatively high amplitude brain wave pattern between approximately 4 and 9 hertz that is characteristic especially of the hippocampus but occurs in many regions of the brain including the cortex
called also theta, theta wave
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share