brain

brain


brain    Audio Help   (brān)   

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.

  1. A highly intelligent person.

  2. The primary director or planner, as of an organization or movement. Often used in the plural.

  3. The control center, as of a ship, aircraft, or spacecraft.

tr.v.   brained, brain·ing, brains Slang
  1. To smash in the skull of.

  2. To hit on the head.


[Middle English, from Old English brægen.]
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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