cortical

adjective

cor·​ti·​cal ˈkȯr-ti-kəl How to pronounce cortical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or consisting of cortex
2
: involving or resulting from the action or condition of the cerebral cortex
cortically adverb

Examples of cortical 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 loss of neurons was at the cortical sulcal depths — the brain regions that undergo the highest mechanical forces during head impact injury, and where CTE first develops. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 18 Sep. 2025 Studies using high-density EEG have shown that when posterior cortical regions are dominated by slow-wave activity, conscious experience is typically absent. Rachel Barr, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025 The study only examined subcortical brain areas; obsessions may be more strongly represented in cortical areas, which weren’t measured here. New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2025 By analyzing the internal cortical thickness of the two fossils, the team was able to uncover how each of these ancient humans likely used their hands. Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cortical

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cortical was in 1671

Cite this Entry

“Cortical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cortical. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

cortical

adjective
cor·​ti·​cal ˈkȯrt-i-kəl How to pronounce cortical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or consisting of cortex
cortical tissue
2
: involving or resulting from the action or condition of the cerebral cortex
cortical blindness
cortically adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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