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

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The researchers also detected these predictive responses in two sensory-processing regions of the thalamus, suggesting that anticipation involves multiple structures beneath the cerebral cortex. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 For a long time, sleep research has treated the cerebral cortex as a passive follower reacting to signals from the deep brain. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026 Severe injuries to the spinal cord or cerebral cortex also usually result in permanent impairment. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 The resulting paper described the cerebral cortex as an atlas of meaning. — Eric Boodman, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cerebral cortex

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cerebral cortex was in 1839

Rhymes for cerebral cortex

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Browse Nearby Words

cerebral artery
cerebral cortex
cerebral fossa
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Cite this Entry

“Cerebral cortex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cerebral%20cortex. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on cerebral cortex

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cerebral cortex

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