PsychologyJuly 17, 2026
neuromyth
/ˈnjʊəroʊˌmɪθ/
Definition
A widely held but scientifically disconfirmed or misunderstood belief regarding how the human brain functions.
Etymology
The word is a portmanteau combining 'neuro-' (from the Greek 'neuron' for nerve) and 'myth' (from the Greek 'mythos' for a story or legend). It emerged in modern contexts to describe persistent misconceptions that disguise themselves as established brain science.
In the news
In this article, the term highlights how outdated ideas like the 'lizard brain' continue to circulate in popular culture and clinical practice despite being disproven by current neuroscience. It illustrates the disconnect between elite research communities and the general public.
Lizard Brains and Hidden Knowledge
Read the full article ↗Psychology Today