Cerebral

/ˈsɛr.ɪ.brəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Of or relating to the brain.

The cerebral cortex is responsible for many of the higher functions of the brain.

Appealing to or requiring the use of the intellect.

She prefers cerebral films that challenge her thinking rather than those that are purely entertaining.

Characterized by the use of the intellect; intellectual rather than emotional.

His arguments were purely cerebral, lacking any emotional appeal.

From Latin 'cerebralis', from 'cerebrum' meaning 'brain'.

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.

cerebration

The process of using one's brain to think and reason.

cortex

The outer layer of an organ, especially the brain.

Smart or intellectual in a showy way.

That debate was so cerebral; they were just trying to outsmart each other.

Overly analytical or pedantic.

Don't get too cerebral about this; sometimes you just need to go with your gut.