corteza
/koɾˈteθa/
The English word cortex is translated to Spanish as corteza.
corteza refers to the outer layer of an internal organ or body structure. It is also commonly used to refer to the bark of a tree.
Meaning: outer layer of an internal organ or body structure (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word corteza is used for both biological layers (like the cerebral cortex) and the bark of a tree.
How do you pronounce it?
/koɾˈteθa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish culinary terms, corteza refers to fried pork rinds or the crispy skin of roasted pork.
- The word corteza is used to describe the crust of a bread in many Spanish-speaking countries. While an English speaker might use 'crust', a Spaniard might specifically use corteza for the hard outer part of a loaf.
- The word corteza is used in the phrase quitarse la corteza, which can figuratively mean to shed one's outer shell or reveal one's true self.
Examples in context
- La corteza cerebral está compuesta por materia gris.The cerebral cortex is made up of gray matter.This sentence shows how to use corteza when discussing the cerebral cortex.Tatoeba #5250778 by wcharpentier, translation #5250633 by Hybrid
- El córtex cerebral es una parte fundamental del sistema nervioso central.The cerebral cortex is a fundamental part of the central nervous system.
- La corteza del árbol protege su tronco interior.The tree bark protects its inner trunk.
- La corteza de la glándula es muy delgada.The cortex of the gland is very thin.
- Se analizó la corteza de los riñones.The cortex of the kidneys was analyzed.
Example conversation
Two medical students are studying anatomy in a library.
- LucíaMateo, ¿puedes explicarme la función de la corteza?Mateo, can you explain the function of the cortex to me?
- MateoClaro, Lucía, es la capa externa del órgano.Sure, Lucía, it is the outer layer of the organ.
- LucíaEntiendo, es una parte vital para la medicina.I see, it is a vital part for medicine.
- MateoExactamente, es fundamental para entender la anatomía.Exactly, it is fundamental for understanding anatomy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry corteza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
