Definition:
The "cerebral cortex" is a part of the brain. It is the outer layer of the cerebrum, which is the largest part of the brain. This layer is made up of cells that are not covered by a fatty substance called myelin, which is why it appears gray. This gray matter is important for many functions, including thinking, memory, and processing information.
In more advanced discussions, you might hear terms like "neuroplasticity," which refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt, and is often associated with the functions of the cerebral cortex.
While "cerebral cortex" specifically refers to a part of the brain, the word "cortex" can be used in other scientific contexts, such as in botany (referring to the outer layer of a plant stem) or in anatomy (referring to the outer layer of other organs).
There are no direct synonyms for "cerebral cortex," but you might see terms like "gray matter" used in discussions about brain structure.
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "cerebral cortex." However, you might encounter phrases like "using your brain" or "brainstorming," which indirectly relate to the functions of the cerebral cortex.
In summary, the "cerebral cortex" is a crucial part of our brain that plays a key role in our ability to think, learn, and control our actions.