noun

cortex

KAW-tehks

noun

The outer layer of an organ or body part, especially the brain or a kidney.

"The cerebral cortex handles higher functions like reasoning and language."

"Damage to the visual cortex can affect how the brain processes what the eyes see."

In botany, the layer of tissue in a stem or root just beneath the outer skin.

"Under the microscope, the root's cortex appeared as a thick band of loosely packed cells."

How to Use Cortex

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe outer covering or outer layer of something, most often used for the brain.

Easily confused with

cortex → context →

Common pairings

cerebral cortex the brain's cortex adrenal cortex

cortexes plural, cortices plural

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The cerebral _____ handles higher functions like reasoning and language.

From Latin cortex, meaning "bark" or "rind" — the same word that gave us "cork."

vortex