brainstorm

Meanings

Noun

the clear (and often sudden) understanding of a complex situation
A sudden thought, particularly one that solves a long-standing problem.
A session of brainstorming, investigating a problem to try to find solutions.
An unexpected mental error.
Alternative form of brain storm (“activity in the brain, such as a seizure or convulsion”).

Verb

try to solve a problem by thinking intensely about it
To investigate something, or solve a problem using brainstorming.
To participate in a brainstorming session.
To think up (ideas); especially, to do so creatively.

Origin / Etymology

From 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". First use appears c. 1945. In the sense of "seizure, convulsion, brain activity", from the unrelated idea that it resembles a storm in the brain. First use appears c. 1861.

Synonyms

brainwave, insight

Scrabble Score: 14

brainstorm is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
brainstorm is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
brainstorm is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 17

brainstorm is a valid Words With Friends word