Brain

Definition

Brain is a noun that refers to the organ located in the skull of vertebrates, which serves as the center of the nervous system, responsible for processing sensory information, controlling behavior, and enabling cognition. It is also used informally to refer to intelligence or intellectual capacity. As a verb, it means to strike someone on the head.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /breɪn/
• Respelling: BRAYN

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /breɪn/
• Respelling: BRAYN

Etymology

The word "brain" comes from the Old English "brægen," referring to the organ inside the skull. It is related to the Old High German "bregan" and Middle Low German "bregen," all indicating the organ that controls thought and sensation.

Derivatives

• Brainy (adjective)
• Brainsick (adjective, archaic)
• Brainpower (noun)
• Brainstorm (verb/noun)
• Brainchild (noun)

Synonyms

• Mind
• Intellect
• Head

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "brain" is commonly used in both scientific and informal contexts. For example, "The brain controls all bodily functions," or "She has a brilliant brain for solving puzzles."

Related Terms

• Mind: The element of a person that enables thinking and feeling.
• Neuron: A cell that transmits nerve impulses in the brain and nervous system.
• Skull: The bone structure that protects the brain.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The organ in the skull that controls bodily functions, thought, and sensation: Refers to the primary organ of the nervous system responsible for cognition, emotion, and physical coordination.
  • Example: "The human brain is complex, with billions of neurons."
• Intellectual capacity or intelligence (informal): Used to describe a person’s mental ability or acumen.
  • Example: "She has the brains to solve complex problems."

Verb

• To hit someone on the head (informal): Means to strike or hit the head, typically with force.
  • Example: "He accidentally brained himself on the door."