memory

Definition

The ability of the brain to record information or impressions with the facility of recalling them later, usually at will.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman memorie, Old French memoire etc., from Latin memoria (“the faculty of remembering, remembrance, memory, a historical account”), from memor (“mindful, remembering”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)mer- (to remember), related to Ancient Greek μνήμη (mnḗmē, “memory”) μέρμερος (mérmeros, “anxious”), μέριμνα (mérimna, “care, thought”), Old English ġemimor (“mindful, remembering”). More at mimmer. Doublet of memoir and memoria. Displaced native Old English ġemynd, which took on a different meaning as modern mind.

Example Sentences

• "Memory is a facility common to all animals."
• "I have no memory of that event."
• "My wedding is one of my happiest memories."

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