neocortex

noun

neo·​cor·​tex ˌnē-ō-ˈkȯr-ˌteks How to pronounce neocortex (audio)
: the large 6-layered dorsal region of the cerebral cortex that is unique to mammals
broadly : the mammalian cerebral cortex

Examples of neocortex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The circuits that composed the mammalian neocortex and the avian DVR developed at different times, in different orders and in different regions of the brain. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 7 Apr. 2025 The former is hardwired in the primitive brain (selecting for physical and social strength) and the latter is probably hardwired into the neocortex (selecting for the strength of intelligence). Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 This slow-wave sleep likely supports memory formation by making the long-term memory storing neocortex especially receptive for short bursts of time. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Dec. 2024 The brain moves information from the hippocampus–where short-term memories are stored into the neocortex. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for neocortex

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Neocortex, from neo- neo- + Cortex cortex; from its being the cortex of the phylogenetically most recently developed part of the brain

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neocortex was in 1909

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Neocortex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neocortex. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

neocortex

noun
neo·​cor·​tex ˌnē-ō-ˈkȯr-ˌteks How to pronounce neocortex (audio)
plural neocortices -ˈkȯrt-ə-ˌsēz How to pronounce neocortex (audio) or neocortexes
: the large 6-layered dorsal region of the cerebral cortex that is unique to mammals
broadly : the mammalian cerebral cortex

More from Merriam-Webster on neocortex

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!