neocortex

noun

neo·​cor·​tex ˌnē-ō-ˈkȯr-ˌteks 

: the large 6-layered dorsal region of the cerebral cortex that is unique to mammals

broadly : the mammalian cerebral cortex

Examples of neocortex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers investigated the relationship between these two brain regions (the neocortex and the cerebellum) and thumb length. —Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 7 Sep. 2025

The circuits that composed the mammalian neocortex and the avian DVR developed at different times, in different orders, and in different regions of the brain. —Yasemin Saplakoglu, Wired News, 11 May 2025

The orca also has more neocortex relative to the rest of the brain than do humans. —Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025

Soon, the nascent biofilm had acquired the origami-like folds of the neocortex. —Carrie Arnold, Quanta Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Neocortex, from neo- neo- + Cortex cortex; from its being the cortex of the phylogenetically most recently developed part of the brain

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neocortex

• cortex
• vortex

Medical Definition

neocortex

noun

neo·​cor·​tex ˌnē-ō-ˈkȯr-ˌteks 

plural neocortices -ˈkȯrt-ə-ˌsēz  or neocortexes

: the large 6-layered dorsal region of the cerebral cortex that is unique to mammals

broadly : the mammalian cerebral cortex