Brain vs. Brains — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 1, 2024
Brain refers to the organ responsible for cognitive functions; brains often denotes intelligence or multiple brain organs.
Difference Between Brain and Brains
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "brain" specifically denotes the organ located in the skull that coordinates mental and physical processes. On the other hand, "brains" can refer to the intellectual capacity or smartness of a person or group, emphasizing cognitive abilities.
In biology, "brain" is used to describe the central nervous system's control center in animals, including humans. Whereas "brains" in a biological context can imply the study of multiple specimens or types of brains, such as comparing the brains of different species.
When used metaphorically, "brain" often describes the central, most important aspect of a system, similar to how the brain controls bodily functions. Conversely, "brains" used metaphorically can refer to a group of highly intelligent people or thinkers within a specific context or organization.
In colloquial speech, someone might be advised to "use your brain," suggesting they should think more carefully. On the other hand, saying someone has "brains" generally compliments their overall intellectual capability or acumen.
The use of "brain" in singular form focuses on the individuality of the organ or the notion of singular control or decision-making. In contrast, "brains" can highlight diversity in intelligence, multiple methods of thinking, or collective intellectual efforts.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The organ in the skull
Multiple brain organs or intelligence
Usage in Biology
Describes a single organ
Refers to multiple brains
Metaphorical Use
Central control system of a process
Group of intelligent thinkers
Colloquial Advice
"Use your brain"
"He/she has brains"
Focus
Individual decision-making
Collective intellectual effort
Compare with Definitions
Brain
To think or reason something out.
He's trying to brain the solution to the problem.
Brains
Plural form of brain, referring to more than one such organ.
Comparative studies of animal brains can be enlightening.
Brain
To hit someone on the head.
He nearly got brained by a falling branch.
Brains
Smart or intellectually capable people.
We need to hire more brains for this project.
Brain
The intellectual leader or planner.
She's the brain behind our new strategy.
Brains
A gathering or group of intelligent individuals.
The meeting was full of the best brains from around the company.
Brain
The organ responsible for thought, memory, emotion, and sensory processing.
The human brain is incredibly complex.
Brains
Brainpower used collectively.
With our brains combined, we solved the issue quickly.
Brain
The main or central part of something, especially in technology or organizations.
The server acts as the brain of the network.
Brains
Intellectual capacity or intelligence.
Solving such puzzles requires a lot of brains.
Brain
A brain is an organ that serves as the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals. It is located in the head, usually close to the sensory organs for senses such as vision.
Brains
The portion of the vertebrate central nervous system that is enclosed within the cranium, continuous with the spinal cord, and composed of gray matter and white matter. It is the primary center for the regulation and control of bodily activities, receiving and interpreting sensory impulses, and transmitting information to the muscles and body organs. It is also the seat of consciousness, thought, memory, and emotion.
Brain
The portion of the vertebrate central nervous system that is enclosed within the cranium, continuous with the spinal cord, and composed of gray matter and white matter. It is the primary center for the regulation and control of bodily activities, receiving and interpreting sensory impulses, and transmitting information to the muscles and body organs. It is also the seat of consciousness, thought, memory, and emotion.
Brains
A functionally similar portion of the invertebrate nervous system.
Brain
A functionally similar portion of the invertebrate nervous system.
Brains
The mind
The plan took shape in her brain.
Brain
The mind
The plan took shape in her brain.
Brains
Intellectual ability; intellect
An actor not known for his quick brain.
Brain
Intellectual ability; intellect
An actor not known for his quick brain.
Brains
Often brains Exceptional intellectual ability; intelligence
Has brains and good looks.
Brain
Often brains Exceptional intellectual ability; intelligence
Has brains and good looks.
Brains
(Informal) A highly intelligent person
We knew the new kid was a brain as soon as she started talking.
Brain
(Informal) A highly intelligent person
We knew the new kid was a brain as soon as she started talking.
Brains
Often brains The primary director or planner, as of an organization or movement.
Brain
Often brains The primary director or planner, as of an organization or movement.
Brains
The control center, as of a ship, aircraft, or spacecraft.
Brain
The control center, as of a ship, aircraft, or spacecraft.
Brains
To hit on the head or kill by hitting on the head.
Brain
To hit on the head or kill by hitting on the head.
Brains
Plural of brain
Brain
The control center of the central nervous system of an animal located in the skull which is responsible for perception, cognition, attention, memory, emotion, and action.
Brains
The substance of a brain, as a material or foodstuff.
Brain
A part of the brain, especially associated with particular mental functions, abilities, etc.
Brains
(informal) The figurative substance of a brain: mental ability, intelligence.
Sadly, I got my brains from my mom and my looks from the mailman.
Brain
(informal) An intelligent person.
She was a total brain.
Brains
The intelligent person or people in a group: the director, planner, administrator, etc.
Who's the brains behind this operation?
Brain
(plurale tantum) A person who provides the intelligence required for something.
He is the brains behind the scheme.
Brain
(in the plural) Intellect.
She has a lot of brains.
Brain
(in the singular) An intellectual or mental capacity.
Gerald always acts like he doesn't have a brain.
Brain
By analogy with a human brain, the part of a machine or computer that performs calculations.
The computer's brain is capable of millions of calculations a second.
Brain
Mind.
I have too much on my brain''' today.
Brain
A loose compartment of a backpack that straps on over the top opening.
Brain
(transitive) To dash out the brains of; to kill by smashing the skull.
Brain
To strike (someone) on the head.
Brain
To destroy; to put an end to.
Brain
To conceive in the mind; to understand.
Brain
The whitish mass of soft matter (the center of the nervous system, and the seat of consciousness and volition) which is inclosed in the cartilaginous or bony cranium of vertebrate animals. It is simply the anterior termination of the spinal cord, and is developed from three embryonic vesicles, whose cavities are connected with the central canal of the cord; the cavities of the vesicles become the central cavities, or ventricles, and the walls thicken unequally and become the three segments, the fore-, mid-, and hind-brain.
Brain
The anterior or cephalic ganglion in insects and other invertebrates.
Brain
The organ or seat of intellect; hence, the understanding; as, use your brains.
Brain
The affections; fancy; imagination.
Brain
A very intelligent person.
Brain
The controlling electronic mechanism for a robot, guided missile, computer, or other device exhibiting some degree of self-regulation.
Brain
To dash out the brains of; to kill by beating out the brains.
There thou mayst brain him.
It was the swift celerity of the death . . . That brained my purpose.
Brain
To conceive; to understand.
'T is still a dream, or else such stuff as madmenTongue, and brain not.
Brain
That part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord
Brain
Mental ability;
He's got plenty of brains but no common sense
Brain
That which is responsible for one's thoughts and feelings; the seat of the faculty of reason;
His mind wandered
I couldn't get his words out of my head
Brain
Someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality;
Mozart was a child genius
He's smart but he's no Einstein
Brain
The brain of certain animals used as meat
Brain
Hit on the head
Brain
Kill by smashing someone's skull
Common Curiosities
Is "brain" ever used in a violent context?
Yes, "brain" as a verb can mean to strike someone on the head.
How is "brains" used differently from "brain"?
"Brains" often refers to intellectual capacity or multiple instances of the organ, unlike the singular "brain."
Can "brain" be used metaphorically?
Yes, "brain" can metaphorically represent the central part of any system or organization.
What is the primary biological function of the brain?
The brain serves as the center of the nervous system, controlling thoughts, memory, emotion, and sensory processing.
Are "brain" and "brains" interchangeable in scientific contexts?
Not typically; "brain" refers to a single organ, while "brains" could mean multiple such organs.
What does it mean when someone is described as having "brains"?
It means they are considered to be intelligent or clever.
How does "brains" relate to groups?
"Brains" can refer to a group of smart people or thinkers.
Can "brains" imply more than intellectual ability?
Yes, it can also suggest practical problem-solving ability and creativity.
What type of leadership role does "brain" imply?
It implies a central, pivotal role in decision-making or planning.
How does the advice "use your brain" apply in everyday situations?
It suggests using thought and reasoning to solve problems or make decisions.
Why might someone be complimented on their "brains"?
For their intellectual achievements or capabilities.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.