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

Birds demonstrate that conscious processing can occur without a cerebral cortex and that very different brain structures can arrive at similar functional outcomes.

From Science Daily • Dec. 15, 2025

They found that DRN serotonin stimulation causes activation of the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia, brain areas involved in many cognitive functions.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2024

The cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia are parts of the brain critical for many cognitive processes, including motor activity and behaviors to gain rewards such as food and water.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2024

The cerebral cortex, where matter is transformed into consciousness, is the point of embarkation for all our cosmic voyages.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan