gray matter
1
灰质, 智力
a person's ability to learn or understand something
The idiom "gray matter" originated from the color of the human brain, which is often described as grayish in appearance. It has been in use since the 19th century, and the term "gray matter" has long been associated with intelligence, intellect, and the cognitive abilities of the brain. It is often used in a positive or neutral context to describe someone's intelligence or ability to think critically.
- Try using your grey matter and you might find the answer.
试着用你的灰质，你可能会找到答案。
- The professor's extensive knowledge is a result of years of exercising his gray matter.
教授的广博知识是多年锻炼他的灰质的结果。
- We need to put our collective gray matter to work in order to find a solution to this challenge.
我们需要集中我们的集体灰质来工作，以找到解决这一挑战的办法。
- It's not just about memorization; you need to engage your gray matter to truly understand the subject.
这不仅仅是记忆的问题；你需要运用你的灰质来真正理解这个主题。
- The team's creative ideas demonstrate their exceptional gray matter.
团队的创意想法展示了他们非凡的灰质。
2
灰质, 脑灰质
the region of the central nervous system that contains neural cell bodies, dendrites, and synapses, and appears greyish in color
Gray matter refers to the tissue in the central nervous system that predominantly contains cell bodies of neurons. It forms the outer layer of the cerebral cortex and clusters within the deeper regions of the brain and spinal cord. Gray matter plays a crucial role in processing and integrating sensory information, motor control, memory, and cognition. Its distinctive gray appearance is due to the presence of neuronal cell bodies and their associated structures, highlighting its importance in neural communication and information processing within the body.