brains definition | Dictionary.com

brain

[breyn]

–noun

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.

Informal.

a.	the controlling or guiding mechanism in a computer, robot, pacemaker, etc.

b.	the part of a computer system for coordination or guidance, as of a missile.

–verb (used with object)

8.	to smash the skull of.

9.	Slang. to hit or bang (someone) on the head.

—Idioms

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.

Origin:
bef. 1000; ME; OE bræg(e)n, bregen; c. LG brägen, D brein

Related forms:

brainlike, adjective

Synonyms:
3. sense; capacity. See mind.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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brain (brān)

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n.

1. The portion of the vertebrate 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.
2. A functionally similar portion of the invertebrate nervous system.
3. Intellectual ability; mind: a dull brain; a quick brain.
4. Intellectual power; intelligence. Often used in the plural: has brains and good looks. See Synonyms at mind.
1. Intellectual ability; mind: a dull brain; a quick brain.
2. Intellectual power; intelligence. Often used in the plural: has brains and good looks. See Synonyms at mind.
A highly intelligent person.
The primary director or planner, as of an organization or movement. Often used in the plural.
The control center, as of a ship, aircraft, or spacecraft.

tr.v. brained, brain·ing, brains Slang

[Middle English, from Old English brægen.]

brain (brān) Pronunciation Key

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The part of the nervous system in vertebrates that is enclosed within the skull, is connected with the spinal cord, and is composed of gray matter and white matter. It is the control center of the central nervous system, receiving sensory impulses from the rest of the body and transmitting motor impulses for the regulation of voluntary movement. The brain also contains the centers of consciousness, thought, language, memory, and emotion. See more at brainstem , cerebellum , cerebrum.
A bundle of nerves in many invertebrate animals that is similar to the vertebrate brain in function and position.

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