cortex
noun
cor·tex
ˈkȯr-ˌteks 
plural cortices
ˈkȯr-tə-ˌsēz
also cortexes
also cortexes
1
a(1)
: the outer or superficial part of an organ or bodily structure (such as the kidney, adrenal gland, or cerebellum or a bone)
especially
: cerebral cortex
(2)
: the proteinaceous usually pigmented layer of a hair below the cuticle
b
: the outer part of some organisms (such as paramecia)
2
: a plant bark or rind (such as cinchona) used medicinally
3
a
: the typically parenchymatous layer of tissue external to the vascular tissue and internal to the corky or epidermal tissues of a green plant
broadly
: all tissues external to the xylem
b
: an outer or investing layer of various algae, lichens, or fungi
Examples of cortex in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However, many parts of the brain or cortex are not fully active if external simulations aren’t present.
—
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
Areas responsible for motor control and coordination light up as your motor cortex learns how to direct your muscles efficiently.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Unlike traditional hair masks that sit outside each strand, this one works inside the cortex to restore strength and elasticity.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Oct. 2024
The cortex can’t regrow and continues to shrink throughout life.
—Patrick Martin, NBC News, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cortex 
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Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
Areas responsible for motor control and coordination light up as your motor cortex learns how to direct your muscles efficiently.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Unlike traditional hair masks that sit outside each strand, this one works inside the cortex to restore strength and elasticity.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Oct. 2024
The cortex can’t regrow and continues to shrink throughout life.
—Patrick Martin, NBC News, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cortex
Dictionary Entries Near cortex
Cite this Entry
“Cortex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cortex. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cortex
noun
cor·tex
ˈkȯr-ˌteks
plural cortices
ˈkȯrt-ə-ˌsēz
or cortexes
or cortexes
1
: an outer or surrounding layer of an organ or body part
the cortex of the kidney
especially
: the outer layer of gray matter of the cerebrum
2
: the layer of tissue outside the xylem and phloem and inside the corky or epidermal tissues of a vascular plant
also
: all tissues external to the xylem
Medical Definition
cortex
noun
cor·tex
ˈkȯr-ˌteks
plural cortices
ˈkȯrt-ə-ˌsēz
also cortexes
also cortexes
1
a
: the outer or superficial part of an organ or body structure (as the kidney, adrenal gland, or a hair)
especially
: cerebral cortex
b
: the outer part of some organisms (as paramecia)
2
a
: a plant bark or rind (as cinchona) used medicinally
b
: the peel of any of several fruits
—used especially in the writing of medical prescriptions
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