1. the outer layer of an organ or body part, especially the brain
Usage: anatomy
2. the outer layer of tissue in plant stems and roots
Usage: botany

Examples

• The cerebral cortex is responsible for higher brain functions.
• Damage to the visual cortex can cause blindness.
• Scientists studied activity in the motor cortex during movement.
• The plant’s cortex protects the inner tissues.
• Water moves through the root cortex to reach the center.
• The cortex of the kidney filters blood.