The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Cortex \Cor"tex\ (k[^o]r"t[e^]ks), n.; pl. Cortices (-t?-s?z). [L., bark. Cf. Cork.] 1. Bark, as of a tree; hence, an outer covering. [1913 Webster] 2. (Med.) Bark; rind; specifically, cinchona bark. [1913 Webster] 3. (Anat.) The outer or superficial part of an organ; as, the cortex or gray exterior substance of the brain. [1913 Webster]