Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A so-called telepathic vibration supposed to be concerned in the transference of a thought from one mind to another by other than physical means of communication.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun rapid fluctuations of voltage between parts of the brain.
  • noun the clear (and often sudden) understanding of a complex situation.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun Any of many rhythmic fluctuations of electric potential between parts of the brain, especially those seen on an electroencephalogram
  • noun A sudden idea, understanding, or inspiration; a brainstorm

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun the clear (and often sudden) understanding of a complex situation
  • noun (neurophysiology) rapid fluctuations of voltage between parts of the cerebral cortex that are detectable with an electroencephalograph
  • noun (neurophysiology) rapid fluctuations of voltage between parts of the cerebral cortex that are detectable with an electroencephalograph

Etymologies

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Examples

  • "It was a sort of second-sight -- what they call a brainwave," Nick smiled.

    The Tragic Muse Henry James 1879

  • Sometimes the 'brainwave' is not unlike opportunity-something simple which is frequently missed because it goes around disguised as hard work.

    Canada and Britain—The Invisible Links 1953

  • - – As of current, hypergraphia is understood to be triggered by changes in brainwave activity in the temporal lobe.

    Eight Diseases that Give You Super Human Powers | Impact Lab 2007

  • Brainwave entrainment • Brainwave synchronization, also called brainwave entrainment, is concerned with frequency following response, a naturally occuring phenomenon in which similar frequencies tend to synchronize with each other.

    Recently Uploaded Slideshows 2009

  • No kidding - 20 pounders making their way upstream and into the tiny side creeks and I had a "brainwave" one year.

    Comments for Jack's Newswatch 2010

  • No kidding - 20 pounders making their way upstream and into the tiny side creeks and I had a "brainwave" one year.

    Comments for Jack's Newswatch 2010

  • No more the 'brainwave' sudden madness which grips me telling me 'one more binge' will get me what I want …

    [Help] Most Recent Posts 2009

  • If the wider applicability of the 'brainwave' is doubtful in rich nations, it's positively outlandish for not-so-rich ones.

    The Times of India 2009

  • No more the 'brainwave' sudden madness which grips me telling me 'one more binge' will get me what I want …

    [Help] Most Recent Posts 2009

  • To prove the efficacy of these ads, Google hired a company called NeuroFocus to conduct research measuring biometric response to the overlays through indicators such as brainwave activity, skin response, and eye tracking.

    Search Engine Land: News About Search Engines & Search Marketing 2008

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