adj

cortical

KAW-tih-kuhl

Cortical (adj) means relating to the outer layer (cortex) of an organ, especially the brain. Example: “The scan showed unusual cortical activity during the memory task.”

adj

Relating to the outer layer (cortex) of an organ, especially the brain.

"The scan showed unusual cortical activity during the memory task."

How to use cortical

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe adjective form of "cortex" — describing anything to do with that outer layer.

Common pairings

cortical activity cortical tissue cortical damage

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The scan showed unusual _____ activity during the memory task.

Etymology

From Latin cortex ("bark"), plus the adjective ending -al.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for cortical

musical comical radical medical logical lyrical typical cynical optical magical inimical biblical

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Frequently asked questions

What does “cortical” mean?

The word “cortical” means relating to the outer layer (cortex) of an organ, especially the brain. In plain terms, the adjective form of "cortex" — describing anything to do with that outer layer.

How do you pronounce “cortical”?

“Cortical” is pronounced KAW-tih-kuhl (/ˈkɔɹ.tɪ.kəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “cortical” in a sentence?

Here is “cortical” used in a sentence: “The scan showed unusual cortical activity during the memory task.”

What part of speech is “cortical”?

“Cortical” is an adjective.

Where does the word “cortical” come from?

The word “cortical” comes from Latin. From Latin cortex ("bark"), plus the adjective ending -al.