brain wave

[breyn weyv]

noun

1. Medicine/Medical.,  Usually brain waves an electrical impulse given off by brain tissue, occurring at a frequency that varies according to mental state or activity, such as the slow waves associated with deep sleep and the fast waves associated with actively engaged thoughts and speech.

2. Informal.,  a sudden idea or inspiration; brainstorm.

brain wave

noun

1. any of the fluctuations of electrical potential in the brain as represented on an electroencephalogram. They vary in frequency from 1 to 30 hertz See also alpha rhythm beta rhythm delta rhythm

Word History and Origins

Origin of brain wave¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

In medical settings, the sleep cycle is measured through electroencephalograms, which track people’s brain waves over the course of the night, Goldstein explained.

From Salon

The researchers recorded one night of sleep using polysomnography, a diagnostic test that measures various body functions, such as brain waves and heart rate during sleep, using sensors placed throughout the body.

From Science Daily

Using sound to stimulate certain brain waves has the potential to help those with dementia or cognitive decline sleep better, reveals a new study.

From Science Daily

Using various methods for measuring brain waves and brain activity as well as psychological tests, they found specific changes that also occur in patients, so-called intermediate phenotypes of mental disorders.

From Science Daily

Scientists at Northwestern University are studying how short pulses of pink noise can enhance the slow brain waves of deep sleep.

From Seattle Times

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