Engram

/ˈɛŋɡræm/ noun

Definition

A physical or chemical change in the brain that results from learning something, believed to be the biological basis of memory.

Etymology

From German 'Engramm,' coined by psychologist Richard Semon in 1904, combining Greek 'en-' (in) and 'gramma' (writing). The term suggests that memories are 'written' into the brain's physical structure.

Kelly Says

The engram concept revolutionized neuroscience—Semon theorized that memories are literally written into your brain as physical changes, and modern brain imaging has actually shown this is partly true, with learning creating structural changes in neurons.

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