brain·storm·ing

[breyn-stawr-ming]
noun
a conference technique of solving specific problems, amassing information, stimulating creative thinking, developing new ideas, etc., by unrestrained and spontaneous participation in discussion.
Origin:
1955–60; brainstorm + -ing1

Dictionary.com Unabridged

brain·storm

[breyn-stawrm]
noun
1.
a.
a sudden impulse, idea, etc.
b.
a fit of mental confusion or excitement.
2.
brainstorming.
adjective
3.
of or pertaining to brainstorming.
verb (used without object)
4.
to conduct or practice brainstorming.
verb (used with object)
5.
to subject (a problem) to brainstorming.
Origin:
1890–95; brain + storm; originally a severe mental disturbance

Related forms
brain·storm·er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To brainstorming
00:10
Brainstorming is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
brainstorm (ˈbreɪnˌstɔːm) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
—n
1.  a severe outburst of excitement, often as the result of a transitory disturbance of cerebral activity
2.  informal (Brit) a sudden mental aberration
3.  informal another word for brainwave

brainstorming (ˈbreɪnˌstɔːmɪŋ) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
—n
intensive discussion to solve problems or generate ideas

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

brainstorm
"brilliant idea, mental excitement, fit of mental application," 1849, from brain + figurative use of storm. As a verb, recorded from 1920s. Related: Brainstorming.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Slang Dictionary

brainstorm definition


  1. n.
    a good idea; an idea that enters one's head suddenly. : I had a sudden brainstorm and got out of bed to write it down.
  2. in.
    to try to think up good ideas, especially as a group. : Let's brainstorm on this for a little while.
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition.
Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
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Example sentences
When you start a brainstorming session clearly state the objectives of the
  session to all participants.
The workshop was preceded by a brainstorming session three months earlier.
Brainstorming didn't unleash the potential of the group, but rather made each
  individual less creative.
Two techniques that can be helpful as you do this are brainstorming and
  building on suggestions.
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