| 1. | Anatomy, Zoology. the part of the central nervous system enclosed in the cranium of humans and other vertebrates, consisting of a soft, convoluted mass of gray and white matter and serving to control and coordinate the mental and physical actions. |
| 2. | Zoology. (in many invertebrates) a part of the nervous system more or less corresponding to the brain of vertebrates. |
| 3. | Sometimes, brains. (used with a plural verb ) understanding; intellectual power; intelligence. |
| 4. | the brain as the center of thought, understanding, etc.; mind; intellect. |
| 5. | brains, Slang. a member of a group who is regarded as its intellectual leader or planner: The junior partner is the brains of the firm. |
| 6. | Informal. a very intelligent or brilliant person. |
| 7. | Informal.
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| 8. | to smash the skull of. |
| 9. | Slang. to hit or bang (someone) on the head. |
| 10. | beat one's brains out, Informal. to try very hard to understand and work out a problem, remember something, etc.: She beat her brains out studying for the exam. |
| 11. | have something on the brain, to have an obsession; be occupied with: Lately I seem to have food on the brain. |
| 12. | pick someone's brains, to obtain information by questioning another person rather than by seeking it independently: He refused to prepare for the exam but counted on being able to pick his roommate's brains. |

brain (brān)
n.
The portion of the central nervous system that is enclosed within the cranium, continuous with the spinal cord, and composed of gray matter and white matter. It is the primary center for the regulation and control of bodily activities, receiving and interpreting sensory impulses, and transmitting information to the muscles and body organs. It is also the seat of consciousness, thought, memory, and emotion. Also called encephalon.
brain (brān) Pronunciation Key
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