brainwave
brainwave Lexical Profile
brainwave Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A rhythmic fluctuation of electrical potential between parts of the brain, as recorded on an electroencephalogram (EEG).
"The researchers monitored the patient's brainwaves during different stages of sleep."
British A sudden, clever idea or unexpected flash of inspiration.
"Just as we were about to give up on the project, Sarah had a brilliant brainwave that solved the issue."
Word Nuance & Usage
In the informal sense of a sudden clever idea, 'brainwave' is chiefly British and Commonwealth English, whereas American English speakers typically prefer 'brainstorm'.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 19th century as a compound of 'brain' and 'wave', originally referring to hypothetical telepathic vibrations before being adopted by neurologists for electrical activity in the brain.