noun
Uncommon
cortex
KAW-tehks
Cortex (noun) means the outer layer of an organ or body part, especially the brain or a kidney. Example: “The cerebral cortex handles higher functions like reasoning and language.”
noun
1
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."
2
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 notesIn plain EnglishThe outer covering or outer layer of something, most often used for the brain.
Common pairings
cerebral cortex
the brain's cortex
adrenal cortex
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like cortex.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- cortexes, cortices
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cerebral _____ handles higher functions like reasoning and language.
Etymology
From Latin cortex, meaning "bark" or "rind" — the same word that gave us "cork."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
medulla
Related words
Rhymes for cortex
See all rhymes for cortex →Frequently asked questions
What does “cortex” mean?
The word “cortex” means the outer layer of an organ or body part, especially the brain or a kidney. In plain terms, the outer covering or outer layer of something, most often used for the brain.
How do you pronounce “cortex”?
“Cortex” is pronounced KAW-tehks (/ˈkɔɹtɛks/ in IPA).
How do you use “cortex” in a sentence?
Here is “cortex” used in a sentence: “The cerebral cortex handles higher functions like reasoning and language.”
What part of speech is “cortex”?
“Cortex” is a noun.
Where does the word “cortex” come from?
The word “cortex” comes from Latin. From Latin cortex, meaning "bark" or "rind" — the same word that gave us "cork.".
Is “cortex” a common word?
“Cortex” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cortex” have?
“Cortex” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the outer layer of an organ or body part, especially the brain or a kidney.
What is the difference between the "cortex" and the "cerebral cortex"?
"Cortex" is the general term for the outer layer of an organ or body part, while the "cerebral cortex" specifically refers to that outer layer as it applies to the brain. The kidney also has a cortex, so context is needed to know which organ is meant when "cortex" is used alone.
Does "cortex" only apply to the brain?
No. While "cortex" is often associated with the brain, it also describes the outer layer of other organs, such as the kidney, and in botany refers to the layer of tissue in a stem or root just beneath the outer skin.
How is a plant's cortex different from an animal's cortex?
In plants, the cortex is the layer of tissue found in a stem or root just beneath the outer skin, serving a structural and storage role. In animals, the cortex refers to the outer layer of an organ, such as the brain or kidney, and is typically involved in specialized functional processes.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include cortex:
