cortex

Where does the word "cortex" come from? It comes from Latin cortex, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).

Cortex’s story begins in Latin: cortex meant “bark, rind, an outer layer.” Literally bark or rind, describing the outer layer of an organ. It reached English by 1600s as cortex. Latin 'bark', from the brain's outer layer like bark on a tree. Today, cortex means the outer layer of an organ, especially the brain.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient cortex "bark, rind, an outer layer", literally bark or rind, describing the outer layer of an organ.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1600s cortex "the outer layer of an organ, especially the brain", Latin 'bark', from the brain's outer layer like bark on a tree.