Mirror neuron

/ˈmɪɹ.ɚ ˈnjʊɹ.ɒn/ noun

Definition

A neuron that fires both when an organism performs an action and when it observes the same action performed by another, thought to underlie imitation and empathy.

Etymology

From 'mirror' (reflecting) + Greek 'neuron' (nerve). Discovered by Giacomo Rizzolatti's team in macaque monkeys in the 1990s.

Kelly Says

Mirror neurons fire when you DO something AND when you WATCH someone else do it — they might be the brain basis for empathy, imitation, and understanding others.

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