Gray Matter

Pronunciation: /ɡreɪ ˈmætər/

Definitions of gray matter

noun a term used to refer to the brain and spinal cord, especially with regard to higher functions such as thought and memory

Example Sentences

A1 Gray matter is the part of the brain responsible for processing information.

A2 Scientists are still studying the functions of gray matter in the brain.

B1 Damage to the gray matter can result in cognitive impairments.

B2 The gray matter in the brain contains cell bodies of neurons.

C1 Advanced imaging techniques can help visualize changes in gray matter volume.

C2 Research has shown a correlation between gray matter loss and certain neurological disorders.

Examples of gray matter in a Sentence

formal Gray matter is the darker tissue of the brain and spinal cord, consisting mainly of nerve cell bodies and branching dendrites.

informal Scientists study the gray matter of the brain to understand how it functions.

slang I need to work on exercising my gray matter more by doing puzzles and brain teasers.

figurative Reading books and engaging in deep conversations helps to exercise our gray matter and keep our minds sharp.

Grammatical Forms of gray matter

• plural: gray matters
• comparative: grayer matter
• superlative: grayest matter
• present tense: gray matter
• future tense: will be gray matter
• perfect tense: has been gray matter
• continuous tense: is being gray matter
• singular: gray matter
• positive degree: gray matter
• infinitive: to be gray matter
• gerund: being gray matter
• participle: gray mattering

Origin and Evolution of gray matter

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The term 'gray matter' originated from the Latin word 'materia grisea' which referred to the grayish tissue in the brain.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'gray matter' has come to specifically refer to the tissue in the brain and spinal cord that contains nerve cell bodies and dendrites, emphasizing its importance in cognitive functions.