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prefrontal cortex
noun
: the gray matter of the anterior part of the frontal lobe that is highly developed in humans and plays a role in the regulation of complex cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning
Examples of prefrontal cortex in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Where our brains are outfitted with a prefrontal cortex that allows for planning, organizing, setting goals and decision making, a horse has virtually none.
—Krista Stevens, Longreads, 20 Nov. 2024
For instance, the prefrontal cortex is involved in decision-making, planning, and impulse control.
—Quora, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024
Brain regions such as the anterior cingulate and ventromedial prefrontal cortex integrate many sources of information – essential for being able to form a mixed emotion.
—Anthony Gianni Vaccaro, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2024
Similarly, researchers have identified single neurons in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex that encode information about others’ thoughts.
—Elizabeth Svoboda, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1892, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of prefrontal cortex was
in 1892
Dictionary Entries Near prefrontal cortex
Cite this Entry
“Prefrontal cortex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefrontal%20cortex. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
prefrontal cortex
noun
: the gray matter of the anterior part of the frontal lobe that is highly developed in humans and plays a role in the regulation of complex cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning
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