cortex
UK: ˈkɔːteks | US: ˈkɔːrteks
n. The outer layer of an organ or structure, especially the brain (cerebral cortex) or a plant (e.g., bark).
n. In anatomy, the tissue layer surrounding an organ (e.g., renal cortex).
cortex = cort<shell/bark> + ex<noun suffix>
- cort<shell/bark>: From Latin cortex, meaning "bark of a tree" or "outer shell."
- ex<noun suffix>: A Latin-derived suffix indicating a noun form.
Etymology Origin:
The word cortex traces back to Latin, where it originally referred to the bark of a tree—a protective outer layer. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to describe analogous structures in biology, such as the brain's outer layer or the outer tissue of organs. This reflects a broader linguistic pattern where natural terms (like tree bark) are repurposed to describe anatomical features.
The cerebral cortex is responsible for higher cognitive functions.
Damage to the renal cortex can impair kidney function.
Botanists study the cortex of plants to understand nutrient transport.
The cortex of the adrenal gland produces essential hormones.
Under the microscope, the cortex appears as a densely packed layer of cells.