alpha rhythm

noun

a pattern of slow brain waves alpha waves in normal persons at rest with closed eyes, thought by some to be associated with an alert but daydreaming mind.

alpha rhythm

noun

physiol the normal bursts of electrical activity from the cerebral cortex of a drowsy or inactive person, occurring at a frequency of 8 to 12 hertz and detectable with an electroencephalograph See also brain wave

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Word History and Origins

First recorded in 1935–40; earlier alpha waves, translation of German Alphawellen, term used by their discoverer, German physician Hans Berger (1873–1941)

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