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
Recent Examples on the Web
The thalamus acts as a control center and transmits sensory signals to various areas of the cerebral cortex.
—
Christian Wolf, Scientific American, 25 June 2025
Studies show that in adults aged 18-25, excessive screen time can cause thinning of the cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer responsible for essential brain functions like memory and problem-solving.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Modern medicine’s first attempt to cure psychiatric illness through surgery may be traced back to the late 19th century, when Gottlieb Burckhardt, a Swiss psychiatrist, removed tissue from the cerebral cortex in a half-dozen patients.
—Frieda Klotz, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025
This enigmatic process appears to be controlled by the thalamus, a central region of the brain already known for its function as a filter between sensory signals and the cerebral cortex, the portion of the brain that governs higher-level processes such as memory, thought, and personality.
—Jorge Garay, Wired News, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cerebral cortex
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Christian Wolf, Scientific American, 25 June 2025
Studies show that in adults aged 18-25, excessive screen time can cause thinning of the cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer responsible for essential brain functions like memory and problem-solving.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Modern medicine’s first attempt to cure psychiatric illness through surgery may be traced back to the late 19th century, when Gottlieb Burckhardt, a Swiss psychiatrist, removed tissue from the cerebral cortex in a half-dozen patients.
—Frieda Klotz, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025
This enigmatic process appears to be controlled by the thalamus, a central region of the brain already known for its function as a filter between sensory signals and the cerebral cortex, the portion of the brain that governs higher-level processes such as memory, thought, and personality.
—Jorge Garay, Wired News, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cerebral cortex
Cite this Entry
“Cerebral cortex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cerebral%20cortex. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share