brain in English
- brain⇄brain, noun, verb.
- brain⇄expr. have (something) on the brain, (Informal.) to be extremely interested in or eager about something.
Ex. She has ballet on the brain. - brain⇄expr. pick the brains of, to extract useful information or material from (someone).
Ex. His success in picking the brains of Mr. Onslow of a secret encouraged him (Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton). - brain⇄expr. rack (or beat or cudgel) one's brains, to try very hard to think of something.
Ex. He racked his brains but couldn't remember the phone number. - brain⇄expr. turn the brain, to make conceited or foolish.
Ex. Eminence ... turns the brain (Edward Young). - brain⇄noun 1. the soft mass of nerve cells and nerve fibers enclosed in the skull or head of vertebrate animals. The tissue is a grayish or whitish matter with which we can learn, think, and remember. In man it consists of the cerebrum, cerebellum, pons Varoli
- brain⇄v.t. 1. to kill by smashing the skull of.
Ex. The man brained the snake with a heavy rock.
2. (Slang.) to hit on the head.
brain in Sindhi سنڌي
brain in Telugu తెలుగు
Brain
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/brān/
Definitions
- The organ inside the head that controls thoughts, memory, feelings, touch, vision, breathing, and other activities of the body.
- The central control unit of the nervous system in humans and other animals, located in the head and protected by the skull.
- Informally, the mental capacity for thinking, reasoning, and intelligence.
Usage Examples
- She used her brain to solve the difficult puzzle.
- The doctor examined the patient's brain for signs of injury.
- His brain works quickly when making decisions under pressure.
Etymology
The word "brain" is derived from Middle English "brayn," from Old French "braon," which has roots in Proto-Indo-European *bhergh-, meaning "to rise" or "to be high." The word has evolved to signify the organ responsible for cognition, perception, and other bodily functions.
Synonyms
- Mind
- Head
- Intellect
- Cerebrum
- Gray matter
Antonyms
- Body
- Heart
- Unthinking
- Ignorance
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Cerebro | /seˈɾeβɾo/ |
| French | Cerveau | /sɛʁ.vo/ |
| German | Gehirn | /ɡəˈhɪʁn/ |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 大脑 | /dà nǎo/ |
| Russian | Мозг | /mozɡ/ |
| Arabic | دماغ | /dimaːɣ/ |
| Hindi | मस्तिष्क | /mastishk/ |
| Italian | Cervello | /tʃerˈvɛllo/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- American English: /brān/
- British English: /breɪn/
- Australian English: /brān/
Historical Usage
The term "brain" has been used since the 13th century and has evolved in its meaning from simply denoting the organ inside the head to representing the seat of mental processes, intellect, and consciousness. It has been central in the study of biology, psychology, and neurology throughout history, with early understandings of the brain’s functions evolving from religious and philosophical ideas to more scientific and medical interpretations.
Cultural Nuances
The brain is a symbol of intellect and mental prowess in many cultures. In Western thought, the brain has often been associated with logic, reason, and knowledge, whereas in some Eastern cultures, the mind or soul is viewed as a more holistic and spiritual element, not confined to the physical organ of the brain. The brain's role in shaping identity and personality has also been a topic of debate in various cultures.
More Information
The brain is the most complex organ in the human body, responsible for controlling and coordinating bodily functions. It consists of approximately 86 billion neurons and serves as the command center for the nervous system. It is responsible for processing sensory information, regulating movement, controlling emotions, and enabling higher cognitive functions such as memory, learning, and decision-making. The study of the brain, known as neuroscience, has made significant advances in recent years, increasing our understanding of its structure, functions, and potential for neuroplasticity and recovery after injury.
Modern technology, including brain imaging and neurofeedback, has allowed scientists to explore the brain's activities in unprecedented detail. This has led to new treatments for mental health disorders, brain injuries, and cognitive decline. Research into the brain continues to evolve, offering the potential for further breakthroughs in the fields of medicine, psychology, and artificial intelligence.