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 process involves two key parts of the brain — the auditory cortex, which processes sounds, and the prefrontal cortex, which controls attention and decision-making. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2025 But getting behind the wheel can also be dangerous for teens whose prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for decision-making—isn’t fully developed yet. Anna Halkidis, Parents, 26 Aug. 2025 For adolescents and their less-mature prefrontal cortex (their brain’s control center), inhibiting the impulse is much more difficult, Daria Kuss, an associate psychology professor at Nottingham Trent University, in England, told me. Gail Cornwall, The Atlantic, 25 Aug. 2025 The complaint also alleges that excessive use of the app may result in structural changes to the developing brain, specifically in the amygdala, which is responsible for emotional learning and behavior, and the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for emotional regulation. Greta Cross, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025 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 9 Sep. 2025.

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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