cerebral cortex

[ suh-ree-bruhl kawr-teks, ser-uh- ]

noun
  1. the furrowed outer layer of gray matter in the cerebrum of the brain, associated with higher brain functions such as voluntary movement, learning, memory, coordination of sensory information, and the expression of individuality.: See also prefrontal cortex.

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Origin of cerebral cortex

1
First recorded in 1925–30

Words Nearby cerebral cortex

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use cerebral cortex in a sentence

Scientific definitions for cerebral cortex

cerebral cortex

  1. The layer of gray matter in vertebrates that covers the cerebral hemispheres and is composed of folds of neurons and axons. The cerebral cortex is responsible for higher functions of the nervous system, including voluntary muscle activity and learning, language, and memory.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for cerebral cortex

cerebral cortex

The surface layer of gray tissue of the cerebrum, frequently called the gray matter. The large size of the cerebral cortex in humans distinguishes them from other animals. Specific parts of the cortex control specific functions, including sensation, voluntary muscle movement, thought, reasoning, and memory.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.