cortical

adjective

cor·​ti·​cal ˈkȯr-ti-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or consisting of cortex

2

: involving or resulting from the action or condition of the cerebral cortex

cortically

ˈkȯr-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of cortical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The study only examined subcortical brain areas; obsessions may be more strongly represented in cortical areas, which weren’t measured here. —New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2025

By analyzing the internal cortical thickness of the two fossils, the team was able to uncover how each of these ancient humans likely used their hands. —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2025

According to Hawkins, the brain operates as a network of numerous small, decentralized units called cortical columns. —Yusuf Sar, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Ample sleep restores clarity and performance by actively refining cortical plasticity, but the converse is also true. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cortical

• vortical
• adrenocortical
• thalamocortical
• neocortical
• subcortical

Medical Definition

cortical

adjective

cor·​ti·​cal ˈkȯrt-i-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or consisting of cortex

cortical tissue

2

: involving or resulting from the action or condition of the cerebral cortex

cortical blindness

cortically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb