executive function

[ ig-zek-yuh-tiv fuhngk-shuhn ]

noun

1. a set of cognitive skills used to control one’s thoughts and behavior, especially the skills needed to focus on and organize tasks.

Word History and Origins

Origin of executive function¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Those questions include whether the executive must “yield if the legislature invokes its authority—that is, would proceeding with an execution in these circumstances entail the executive branch’s intrusion into the broad authority of the legislative branch? Or, contrariwise, would allowing various committees of the legislature to subpoena an inmate who is subject to an impending death sentence constitute the legislative branch’s intrusion into the orderly functioning of the law, risking manipulation of the judicial process and the executive function?”

From Slate

Indeed, researchers have found nature-based learning supports creativity, resiliency, executive function, school readiness and a host of other benefits for the body and mind.

From Los Angeles Times

Although those allegations involve a chilling abuse of power, the Court held that they constitute a core executive function for which presidents are absolutely immune.

From Salon

Overall, the study found no effects on the children's creative abilities or their executive function, which is a person's ability to plan, focus, and manage multiple tasks.

From Science Daily

However, when researchers looked only at children with higher concentrations of these medications in the mother's blood during the third trimester, the study found an association with poorer performance in tests of children's executive function, but no effect on their creative abilities.

From Science Daily