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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
The adolescent brain develops into early adulthood, especially in the prefrontal cortex.
—Jon-Patrick Allem, The Conversation, 31 May 2024
Brain scans have shown that expressing gratitude activates the prefrontal cortex, a crucial area responsible for decision-making and emotional regulation.
—Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 22 May 2024
There’s our prefrontal cortex, this sort of seat of executive function that makes rational decisions.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 22 May 2024
Various regions of the brain, like the prefrontal cortex, leverage our working memory to tell us how long it’s been since an event.
—Paul M. Sutter, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prefrontal cortex
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prefrontal cortex.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1900, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of prefrontal cortex was
in 1900
Dictionary Entries Near prefrontal cortex
Cite this Entry
“Prefrontal cortex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefrontal%20cortex. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
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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