neuroplasticity
nyoor-oh-plas-TISS-ih-tee
/ˌnjʊəroʊplæˈstɪsɪti/
The ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experience or following injury.
It is the biological basis for the idea that 'you can teach an old dog new tricks'—the brain is not fixed but can physically change.
The story behind the word. Until the mid-20th century, scientists believed the adult brain was 'hard-wired' and unchangeable. The term gained prominence as researchers discovered that the brain is more like 'plastic'—malleable and capable of being molded.
Word relationships
- brain plasticity: A more common, slightly less formal term for the same concept.
- malleability: 'Malleability' is the general quality of being able to be shaped; 'neuroplasticity' is specific to the brain.
- rigidity: Inability to be to changed or adapted.
Commonly confused with
- neurogenesis: 'Neurogenesis' is the birth of new neurons; 'neuroplasticity' is the changing of connections between existing neurons.
Word family
- neuroplastic (adjective): Relating to neuroplasticity.
Collocations
- brain neuroplasticity
- harness neuroplasticity
- promote neuroplasticity
- neural neuroplasticity
Example sentences
- "Thanks to neuroplasticity, the brain can sometimes reroute functions to healthy areas after a stroke." Explaining how people recover from strokes.
- "Learning a new language is one of the best ways to stimulate neuroplasticity and keep the mind sharp." Discussing the benefits of learning a new skill.
Memory hook
Neuro-Plasticity: The brain is 'Plastic' and can be reshaped. The moldable brain.
When not to use
Don't use it to mean simple 'learning'; it refers to the actual physical restructuring of the neural pathways.
Fun facts
- London taxi drivers have been found to have a larger hippocampus (the part of the brain for spatial memory) due to neuroplasticity from learning 'The Knowledge' of the city's streets.
Related words
Explore more words
Neuroscience, neurodivergent, adaptability, Synapse, neural, addiction
Also appears in
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