Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
brainstorm [breyn-stawrm] Word Origin noun
-
- a sudden impulse, idea, etc.
- a fit of mental confusion or excitement.
- brainstorming.
adjective
- of or relating to brainstorming.
verb (used without object)
- to conduct or practice brainstorming.
verb (used with object)
- to subject (a problem) to brainstorming.
Origin of brainstorm 1890–95; brain + storm; originally a severe mental disturbanceRelated formsbrain·storm·er, noun British Dictionary definitions for brainstormer brainstorm noun
- a severe outburst of excitement, often as the result of a transitory disturbance of cerebral activity
- British informal a sudden mental aberration
- informal another word for brainwave
Word Origin and History for brainstormer brainstorm n.
“brilliant idea, mental excitement, fit of mental application,” 1849, from brain (n.) + figurative use of storm (n.). As a verb, recorded from 1920s. Related: Brainstormed; brainstorming.