brain wave
noun
plural brain waves
1
a
: rhythmic fluctuations of voltage between parts of the brain resulting in the flow of an electric current
b
: a current produced by brain waves
2
: a flash of inspiration : brainstorm sense 1a
Musing over a fireplace in Avignon in 1782 the inventor Joseph-Michel Montgolfier had a brain wave. What if the force lifting the embers from the fire could somehow be controlled and used to carry heavier things, even people?—
Teju Cole
Teju ColeExamples of brain wave in a Sentence
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Several tries later, and the app started tracking my brain waves.
—David Oliver, USA Today, 17 June 2026
The researchers also found that, compared with novice meditators, people who were more advanced showed even greater increases in theta and theta-alpha brain waves and larger drops in the delta and gamma-1 brain waves.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
From brain waves to gravitational waves, quantum sensors have successfully detected both and are now being prepared to operate outside laboratories as well.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026
Then, Mesgarani says, the team switched on a system that automatically adjusted the volume based on the person's brain waves.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for brain wave
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David Oliver, USA Today, 17 June 2026
The researchers also found that, compared with novice meditators, people who were more advanced showed even greater increases in theta and theta-alpha brain waves and larger drops in the delta and gamma-1 brain waves.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
From brain waves to gravitational waves, quantum sensors have successfully detected both and are now being prepared to operate outside laboratories as well.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026
Then, Mesgarani says, the team switched on a system that automatically adjusted the volume based on the person's brain waves.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for brain wave
Cite this Entry
“Brain wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brain%20wave. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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