Formal:
* Stream of consciousness: This is the most common and widely understood term. It describes a literary style that mimics the flow of thoughts and feelings in the human mind, often without logical transitions or punctuation.
* Uninterrupted thought process: This is a more general and straightforward way to describe a continuous flow of thoughts without interruptions.
* Cognitive flow: This term emphasizes the mental process involved in the uninterrupted flow of thoughts.
Informal:
* Train of thought: This metaphor compares the flow of thoughts to a train moving along its tracks.
* Flow state: This term, popularized by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, refers to a state of complete absorption in an activity, often characterized by a seamless flow of thoughts and actions.
* Thought cascade: This term implies a rapid and continuous flow of thoughts, possibly triggered by a particular idea or event.
The best term to use will depend on the specific situation and the intended meaning. For example, if you're writing a literary analysis, "stream of consciousness" would be the most appropriate term. If you're talking about a personal experience, "train of thought" or "flow state" might be more suitable.