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

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As Science Alert points out, previous research has found that psychopaths can share similar brain structures, including pathways in the prefrontal cortex. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 13 Aug. 2026 The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex monitors uncertainty and flags when expectations or norms get broken. — Yigit Topoglu, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026 Days later, a dental scan for a toothache found a four-inch nail embedded near his prefrontal cortex. — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 My prefrontal cortex, for better or worse, developed during my Phish era. — Claire Howorth, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026 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

Rhymes for prefrontal cortex

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Browse Nearby Words

prefrontal
prefrontal cortex
prefrozen
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Cite this Entry

“Prefrontal cortex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefrontal%20cortex. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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