Cortex

Quick meaning: Cortex is a noun meaning (countable, anatomy) The outer layer of an internal organ or body structure, such as the kidney or the brain.

Meaning

(countable, anatomy) The outer layer of an internal organ or body structure, such as the kidney or the brain.

More Meanings

1. (uncountable, botany) The tissue of a stem or root that lies inward from the epidermis, but exterior to the vascular tissue.
2. (archaeology) The outer surface of a piece of flint.

Example Sentences

In the study, led by Ryota Kanai of the University College London, people who identified themselves as liberals generally had a larger anterior cingulate cortex — a comma-shaped region near the front of the brain that is involved in decision-making. By contrast, those who identified as conservatives had larger amygdalas — almond-shaped structures that are linked with emotional learning and the processing of fear.

Word Forms

• cortexes
• cortices

Synonyms for cortex

Depending on context, synonyms include pallium.

Antonyms for cortex

Common opposites include medulla.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include pallium, cortical, brain, peel, crust, bark.

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