Neuroplasticity
Etymology
A 20th-century compound from Greek "neuron" (originally "sinew" or "cord," later "nerve") and "plastikos" (able to be molded), from "plassein" (to form or shape). It overturned the long-held assumption that the adult brain’s wiring was permanent, and the concept was popularized in the late 20th century.
noun · /nyoor-oh-plas-TIH-sih-tee/
The brain’s ability to rewire itself by forming and reshaping neural connections in response to experience.
What it names
A foundational and hopeful concept: because the brain is not fixed, it names why habits can change, skills can be learned at any age, and damaged function can sometimes be recovered.
Example
Neuroplasticity is why the stroke survivor could, with months of therapy, retrain undamaged regions to take over speech.
Related idea
A biological cousin of homeostasis (already here) in that both describe the body adapting, but neuroplasticity is about structural change and learning, not about holding a variable steady.