decerebrate -- Sister Jen and Auntie Mary

de·cer·e·brate  (d-sr-brt)

tr.v. de·cer·e·brat·ed, de·cer·e·brat·ing, de·cer·e·brates

To eliminate cerebral brain function in (an animal) by removing the cerebrum, cutting across the brain stem, or severing certain arteries in the brain stem, as for purposes of experimentation.

adj. also (-brt)

1. Deprived of cerebral function, as by having the cerebrum removed.

2. Resulting from or as if from decerebration: decerebrate rigidity; decerebrate movements.

3. Lacking intelligence or reason.

n. also (-brt)

A decerebrate animal or person

Both Sister Jen and Auntie Mary have had brain surgery, but neither was decerebrated.