brainˈcase noun

The cranium

brainˈchild noun (pl brainˈchildren)

An original thought or work

brain coral noun

A coral with brain-like convolutions

brain damage noun

A general term covering all injury or disease of the brain, temporary or permanent

brainˈ-damaged adjective

brainˈ-dead adjective (also figurative).

brain death noun

The cessation of function of the brain, thought by some doctors to be the true indication of death, rather than the cessation of the heartbeat (also called cerebral or clinical death)

brain drain noun

The continuing loss of citizens of high intelligence and creativity through emigration

brain fag noun (obsolete)

Extreme tiredness of the nerves or brain

brain fever noun

Encephalitis, inflammation of the brain

brain-fever bird noun

An Indian cuckoo (Cuculus varius) that sings repetitively in the night

brainˈpan noun

The cranium

brainˈpower noun

Intellectual ability

brainˈsick adjective

Diseased in the understanding, deranged

brainˈsickly adverb (Shakespeare).

brainˈsickness noun

brainˈstem noun

The stem-like part of the brain connecting the spinal cord with the cerebral hemispheres, and controlling certain major functions, eg the operation of the heart and lungs and the ability to be conscious

brainˈstorm noun (informal)

1. A sudden disturbance of the mind
2. A sudden inspiration

brainˈstorming noun (orig US)

The practice of thrashing out a problem, developing a strategy, etc by intensive group discussion in which ideas are put forward in an extempore manner

brains trust noun

1. A committee of experts
2. A number of reputedly well-informed persons chosen to answer questions of general interest in public and without preparation, usu on radio or television

brainˈteaser noun (informal)

A difficult puzzle or problem

brainˈwash transitive verb

To subject (a person) to systematic indoctrination or mental pressure to make him or her change his or her views or confess to a crime, etc

brainˈwashing noun

brainˈwave noun

1. An electrical impulse produced by the brain
2. A sudden bright idea (informal)

on the brain (informal)

As an obsession

pick someone's brains see under pick¹