Meaning & Definition of word "Cerebral"
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Cerebral
/ˈsɛr.ɪ.brəl/
adjective:
- 1. Of or relating to the brain.
- Example: The cerebral cortex is responsible for many of the higher functions of the brain.
- 2. Appealing to or requiring the use of the intellect.
- Example: She prefers cerebral films that challenge her thinking rather than those that are purely entertaining.
- 3. Characterized by the use of the intellect; intellectual rather than emotional.
- Example: His arguments were purely cerebral, lacking any emotional appeal.
Etymology
From Latin 'cerebralis', from 'cerebrum' meaning 'brain'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
cerebral cortex:
The outer layer of the brain involved in complex neural processes.
cerebral palsy:
A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle tone or posture, caused by damage that occurs to the immature brain.
cerebral hemorrhage:
Bleeding in the brain, typically due to the rupture of a blood vessel.
Related Words
cerebration:
The process of using one's brain to think and reason.
cortex:
The outer layer of an organ, especially the brain.
Slang Meanings of cerebral
Meaning: Smart or intellectual in a showy way.
Example Sentence: That debate was so cerebral; they were just trying to outsmart each other.
Meaning: Overly analytical or pedantic.
Example Sentence: Don't get too cerebral about this; sometimes you just need to go with your gut.