prefrontal cortex

noun

: the gray matter of the anterior part of the frontal lobe that is highly developed in humans and plays a role in the regulation of complex cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning

Examples of prefrontal cortex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The magnetic pulses go into the prefrontal cortex of the brain, that outer layer at the front where behavior, personality and executive function originates. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 The Neurobiology Of Joy: How Safety Feels In The Brain And Body At the neurological core of joy is integration, especially between the prefrontal cortex (which governs self-regulation and focus) and the amygdala (the brain's alarm center). Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025 That is because the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain that controls organizing, planning, and decision making) doesn't finish developing until people reach 25. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025 This mental pause allows our prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain responsible for planning and decision-making) to rest, reducing mental fatigue and supporting emotional regulation, says Del Punta. Victoria Malloy, Outside Online, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for prefrontal cortex

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prefrontal cortex was in 1892

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Cite this Entry

“Prefrontal cortex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefrontal%20cortex. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

Medical Definition

prefrontal cortex

noun
: the gray matter of the anterior part of the frontal lobe that is highly developed in humans and plays a role in the regulation of complex cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning
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