subcortical

adjective

sub·​cor·​ti·​cal ˌsəb-ˈkȯr-ti-kəl How to pronounce subcortical (audio)
: of, relating to, involving, or being a part of the brain below the cerebral cortex
subcortical lesions

Examples of subcortical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Core emotions originate in the subcortical part of the brain, not in areas under our conscious control. — CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025 White Matter Decreases White matter is located in the deeper (subcortical) areas of the brain. — Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025 The study only examined subcortical brain areas; obsessions may be more strongly represented in cortical areas, which weren’t measured here. — New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2025 Even some experts without strong subcortical leanings find this an attractive evolutionary explanation. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for subcortical

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subcortical was in 1899

Rhymes for subcortical

See All Rhymes for subcortical

Browse Nearby Words

subcorneous
subcortical
subcosta
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Cite this Entry

“Subcortical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subcortical. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

subcortical

adjective
sub·​cor·​ti·​cal -ˈkȯrt-i-kəl How to pronounce subcortical (audio)
: of, relating to, involving, or being nerve centers below the cerebral cortex
subcortical lesions
subcortical sensation
subcortically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce subcortical (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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