cerebral cortex

noun

: the convoluted surface layer of gray matter of the cerebrum that functions chiefly in coordination of sensory and motor information compare neocortex

Examples of cerebral cortex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Research suggests that exercising improves cognitive processes and memory, while increasing the thickness of your cerebral cortex, which is responsible for tasks like language, thinking, and emotions. Angela Haupt, TIME, 17 Oct. 2024 The researchers found that certain regions of the cerebral cortex showed lower neuron density in autistic children than in controls. Alison Escalante, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 Across all mammal lineages, brains tend to get larger in the same way: Evolutionarily, recent structures (in particular the cerebral cortex) blow up out of proportion to everything else. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 26 Sep. 2024 Gray matter, also known as the cerebral cortex, makes up about 40% of the brain and is essential for controlling movement, memory, and emotions. Melissa Willets, Parents, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cerebral cortex 

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cerebral cortex was in 1853

Dictionary Entries Near cerebral cortex

Cite this Entry

“Cerebral cortex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cerebral%20cortex. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

cerebral cortex

noun
: the convoluted surface layer of gray matter of the cerebrum that functions chiefly in coordination of sensory and motor information

called also pallium

see neocortex

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