First Known Use: 1677
Dictionary
cortex
noun cor·tex \ˈkȯr-ˌteks\
medical : the outer layer of an organ in the body and especially of the brain
plural cor·ti·ces \ˈkȯr-tə-ˌsēz\ or cor·tex·es
Full Definition of CORTEX
1
a (1) : the outer or superficial part of an organ or bodily structure (as the kidney, adrenal gland, or cerebellum or a bone); especially : cerebral cortex (2) : the proteinaceous usually pigmented layer of a hair below the cuticle b : the outer part of some organisms (as paramecia)
2
: a plant bark or rind (as cinchona) used medicinally
3
a : the typically parenchymatous layer of tissue external to the vascular tissue and internal to the corky or epidermal tissues of a green plant; broadly : all tissues external to the xylem b : an outer or investing layer of various algae, lichens, or fungi
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Origin of CORTEX
Latin cortic-, cortex bark — more at cuirass
Rhymes with CORTEX
Medical Dictionary
cortex
noun cor·tex \ˈkȯr-ˌteks\
plural cor·ti·ces \ˈkȯrt-ə-ˌsēz\ or cor·tex·es
Medical Definition of CORTEX
1
a : the outer or superficial part of an organ or body structure (as the kidney, adrenal gland, or a hair); especially : cerebral cortex b : the outer part of some organisms (as paramecia)
2
a : a plant bark or rind (as cinchona) used medicinally b : the peel of any of several fruits—used especially in the writing of medical prescriptions
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