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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Leaders must train their prefrontal cortex to stay calm under pressure and turn tough feedback into adaptive learning. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 Imaging studies show that after just one night of sleep deprivation, the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and impulse control, has reduced activity. Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 16 June 2025 This chemical cascade can shrink the hippocampus (memory center), activate the amygdala (fear response system), weaken connections between brain cells and reduce activity in the prefrontal cortex, which controls rational thinking. Arpit Jain, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 Women’s bodies see more activation in the left prefrontal cortex of the brain when under stress than men’s and a higher activation of the amygdala. Carmen Rios, Flow Space, 12 May 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 30 Jun. 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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