brainstorm

/ˈbreɪnˈstɔrm/

/ˈbreɪnstɔm/

Other forms: brainstorming; brainstorms; brainstormed

As you would expect, the word brainstorm involves thought. A brainstorm can be an "Aha!" moment, while brainstorming is the process of trying to think of ideas.

If you've ever needed to find a topic for a paper and have just started listing every idea coming to you, you know what it's like to brainstorm. People brainstorm when they need a new idea. You can also say you had a brainstorm when a good idea or solution occurs to you. Often, this kind of brainstorm happens when you're not even working on the problem. For example, a scientist might have a brainstorm for a new project in the shower.

Definitions of brainstorm

1. verb

   try to solve a problem by thinking intensely about it
   type of:

   cerebrate, cogitate, think

   use or exercise the mind or one's power of reason in order to make inferences, decisions, or arrive at a solution or judgments
2. noun

   the clear (and often sudden) understanding of a complex situation
   synonyms: brainwave, insight

   types:

   light

   mental understanding as an enlightening experience

   revelation

   an enlightening or astonishing disclosure

   breakthrough, discovery, find

   a productive insight

   flash

   a sudden brilliant understanding

   type of:

   apprehension, discernment, savvy, understanding

   the cognitive condition of someone who understands