Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
gray matter
In a biological sense, this term refers specifically to the neural tissue that processes information, contrasting with white matter, which primarily transmits signals. It is used in medical and scientific registers to describe the physical architecture of the brain.
When used figuratively, the term shifts to a casual or semi-formal register to denote raw intellectual power or mental acuity. It often appears in contexts where a difficult problem requires a high degree of intelligence, framing the mind as a physical resource to be utilized. This noun is uncountable in both its literal and figurative senses and does not take a plural form.
Meanings
Examples
The MRI scan showed a decrease in gray matter in the prefrontal cortex.
Use your gray matter and figure out where the key is hidden.
The detective relied on his gray matter to connect the disparate clues.
Learning a new language can actually increase the gray matter in certain brain regions.
We have plenty of funding but not enough gray matter to execute this plan.
I need to exercise my gray matter before the exam tomorrow.
The spinal cord contains a central core of gray matter surrounded by white matter.