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 prefrontal cortex is the region of the brain responsible for judgment, decision-making and impulse control. Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 11 June 2026 Concentration burns glucose, decision-making depletes mental energy reserves, and by mid-afternoon, the prefrontal cortex is operating at a fraction of its morning capacity. William Jones june 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026 That’s because problem-solving, logical planning and abstract thinking are all carried out by a key region of the brain known as the prefrontal cortex, which is notoriously inflexible. David Cox, NBC news, 4 June 2026 These areas included the prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, parietal and temporal cortices, and the amygdala, which are involved in pain processing, emotional regulation, and cognition. Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 2 June 2026 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 17 Jun. 2026.

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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