sulcus

noun

sul·​cus ˈsəl-kəs How to pronounce sulcus (audio)
plural sulci ˈsəl-ˌkī How to pronounce sulcus (audio)
-ˌkē,
-ˌsī How to pronounce sulcus (audio)
: furrow, groove
especially : a shallow furrow on the surface of the brain separating adjacent convolutions

Examples of sulcus 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.
Interestingly, the brain also showed activity in areas related to understanding others and social cognition—such as the posterior superior temporal sulcus and the temporal regions—which might explain why good friendships often involve such a high level of empathy and understanding. — Mark Travers, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024 Similarly, the region responsible for primary motor sensor, the central sulcus, also showed increased activity that lingered. — Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 8 Feb. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Latin; akin to Old English sulh plow, Greek holkos furrow, helkein to pull

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sulcus was in 1662

Browse Nearby Words

sulcomarginal
sulcus
sulcus of Rolando
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Cite this Entry

“Sulcus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sulcus. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

sulcus

noun
sul·​cus ˈsəl-kəs How to pronounce sulcus (audio)
plural sulci -ˌkī How to pronounce sulcus (audio) -ˌsī How to pronounce sulcus (audio)
: furrow, groove
especially : a shallow furrow on the surface of the brain separating adjacent convolutions compare fissure sense 1c

More from Merriam-Webster on sulcus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sulcus

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