different between brainstorm vs brainwave

English

Alternative forms

• brain-storm
• brain storm

Etymology

brain +? storm. In the sense of "problem-solve", devised as a method of group creative problem-solving by advertising executive Alex F. Osborn and his employees, who coined the term based on the image of using "the brain to storm a problem". In the sense of "seizure, convulsion, brain activity", from the unrelated idea that it is like a storm in the brain.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?b?e?nst??(?)m/

Verb

brainstorm (third-person singular simple present brainstorms, present participle brainstorming, simple past and past participle brainstormed)

1. To investigate something, or solve a problem using brainstorming.
2. To participate in a brainstorming session.

See also

• bounce off (usu. with an idea or ideas)
• spitball

Noun

brainstorm (plural brainstorms)

1. (US) A sudden thought, particularly one that solves a long-standing problem.

   Synonym: brainwave

   I had been working on the problem for weeks, and then I had a brainstorm and saw that the solution was easy.

2. A session of brainstorming, investigating a problem to try to find solutions.
3. (Britain) An unexpected mental error.
   • October 5 2005, "Iguchi hit ruins Red Sox's night", BBC Online, 5 October

     A terrible fielding error from Tony Graffanino proved costly. [...] Aaron Rowand collected an RBI double to get them off the mark before Graffanino's brainstorm. Juan Uribe hit a roller to the second baseman, who let the potential inning-ending double-play ball roll under his glove, leaving runners at first and third bases.

4. Alternative form of brain storm (“activity in the brain, such as a seizure or convulsion”)

   electrical brainstorm

Translations

References

English

Alternative forms

• brain wave

Etymology

brain +? wave

Noun

brainwave (plural brainwaves)

1. Any of many rhythmic fluctuations of electric potential between parts of the brain, especially those seen on an electroencephalogram
3. A sudden idea, understanding, or inspiration; a brainstorm

Derived terms

• brainwave fingerprinting

Translations