prefrontal

1 of 2

adjective

pre·​fron·​tal (ˌ)prē-ˈfrən-tᵊl 

: anterior to or involving the anterior part of a frontal structure

a prefrontal bone

prefrontal

2 of 2

noun

: a prefrontal part (such as a bone)

Examples of prefrontal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The technology-bilingualism argument is neurologically grounded and observationally compelling, but the causal chain from prefrontal developmental timing to technological rupture to career outcomes has not been formally tested. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 July 2026

Researchers have shown that when something about an environment is familiar and aligns with your prior experiences, the prefrontal regions of your brain – those responsible for executive functions such as decision-making – become more active. — Paulina Maxim, The Conversation, 11 May 2026

Noun

Dehaene and Changeux postulated that the workspace is instantiated by a network of pyramidal (excitatory) neurons linked to far-flung cortical regions, in particular the prefrontal, parietotemporal and midline (cingulate) associative areas. — Christof Koch, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2019

When corrected to brain size, the domesticated rabbits' amygdala's were roughly 9-10% smaller, while their medial prefrontal cortices were about 11-12% bigger. — Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2018

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1851, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1851, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing prefrontal

• prefrontal cortex

Rhymes for prefrontal

• frontal
• orbitofrontal

Medical Definition

prefrontal

adjective

pre·​fron·​tal ˌprē-ˈfrənt-ᵊl 

1

: situated or occurring anterior to a frontal structure

a prefrontal bone

2

: of, relating to, or constituting the prefrontal lobe or prefrontal cortex of the brain