cerebral cortex

American  

[suh-ree-bruhl kawr-teks, ser-uh-] / səˈri brəl ˈkɔr tɛks, ˈsɛr ə- /

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.

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cerebral cortex Scientific  

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.

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cerebral cortex Cultural  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of cerebral cortex

First recorded in 1925–30

Compare meaning

How does cerebral-cortex compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cerebrum vs. cerebral cortex
• neocortex vs. cerebral cortex

Example Sentences

Planning is for weaklings, rational analysis is disdained, the amygdala and the gut replace the cerebral cortex.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

Using this system, the scientists showed that the thalamus plays a central role in shaping specialized neural circuits within the human cerebral cortex.

From Science Daily • Jan. 7, 2026

The cerebral cortex contains many different types of neurons that must communicate effectively with one another and with other brain regions.

From Science Daily • Jan. 7, 2026

Neuroscientists typically ascribe consciousness and abstract thought to the cerebral cortex, which evolved later in human evolution and wraps around the brain's outer layer in folded gray matter.

From Science Daily • Dec. 3, 2024

By that point, entire sectors of my cerebral cortex seemed to have shut down altogether.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer