brains
n. · v.-
1 intelligence (n.) B1 Intermediate Informalyour ability to think clearly and solve problems.
intellectual capacity or mental acuity. Often used in the plural to denote general intelligence.
ExampleHe has the brains to go to a top university if he works hard.
ExampleIt takes more than just raw brains to succeed in this industry; you also need persistence and a strong professional network.
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2 the planner (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informalthe person who plans or organises a complicated task.
the principal planner or organiser of a collective activity. Usually used with the definite article.
ExampleShe was the brains behind the whole project.
ExampleWhile the rest of the team handled the execution, Sarah was undoubtedly the brains behind the entire marketing strategy.
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3 anatomical organs (n.) A2 Elementary Sciencemore than one brain; the organs inside the heads of humans or animals.
the plural form of the physical organ; also used to refer to the brain of an animal used as food.
ExampleThe scientist compared the brains of several different bird species.
ExampleThe study examined how the brains of mammals adapt to extreme temperature fluctuations in the wild.
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4 to hit on the head (v.) C2 Proficiency Informal Slangto hit someone very hard on the head.
to strike someone heavily on the head, or to kill by smashing the skull. Transitive use.
ExampleIn the movie, the hero brains the monster with a heavy rock.
ExampleThe protagonist narrowly escapes when he brains his attacker with a nearby fire extinguisher.
UsageThe third-person singular present form of the verb 'to brain'.
- bash
- clobber