Dictionary
brain
Pronunciation: (brān), [key]—
n.
1. Anat., Zool.the part of the central nervous system enclosed in the cranium of humans and other vertebrates, consisting of a soft, convoluted mass of gray and white matter and serving to control and coordinate the mental and physical actions.
2. Zool.(in many invertebrates) a part of the nervous system more or less corresponding to the brain of vertebrates.
3. Sometimes,
brains. (used with a pl. v.) understanding; intellectual power; intelligence.
4. the brain as the center of thought, understanding, etc.; mind; intellect.
5. brains, Slang.a member of a group who is regarded as its intellectual leader or planner:
The junior partner is the brains of the firm.
6. Informal.a very intelligent or brilliant person.
7. Informal.
a. the controlling or guiding mechanism in a computer, robot, pacemaker, etc.
b. the part of a computer system for coordination or guidance, as of a missile.
8. beat one's brains out, Informal.to try very hard to understand and work out a problem, remember something, etc.:
She beat her brains out studying for the exam.
9. have something on the brain, to have an obsession; be occupied with:
Lately I seem to have food on the brain.
10. pick someone's brains, to obtain information by questioning another person rather than by seeking it independently:
He refused to prepare for the exam but counted on being able to pick his roommate's brains.
—
v.t.
1. to smash the skull of.
2. Slang.to hit or bang (someone) on the head.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
