cortisol

noun

cor·​ti·​sol ˈkȯr-tə-ˌsȯl 

-ˌzȯl,

-ˌsōl,

-ˌzōl

: a glucocorticoid C₂₁H₃₀O₅ produced by the adrenal cortex upon stimulation by ACTH that mediates various metabolic processes (such as gluconeogenesis), has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, and whose levels in the blood may become elevated in response to physical or psychological stress

called also hydrocortisone

Examples of cortisol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Exercise is known to lower cortisol, a stress hormone. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 31 Mar. 2025

According to a recent study, coffee before breakfast could spike cortisol, leading to elevated feelings of anxiety or stress throughout the morning. —Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Mar. 2025

Research published in The International Journal on the Biology of Stress found that extreme caloric restriction, particularly fasting, leads to an initial cortisol spike, which signals stress in the body. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

These kinds of big or overwhelming events cause your body to ramp up production of cortisol—a.k.a. —Julia Ries, SELF, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

cortisone + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cortisol

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• guaiacol

Medical Definition

cortisol

noun

cor·​ti·​sol ˈkȯrt-ə-ˌsȯl, -ˌzȯl, -ˌsōl, -ˌzōl 

: a glucocorticoid C₂₁H₃₀O₅ produced by the adrenal cortex upon stimulation by ACTH that mediates various metabolic processes (as gluconeogenesis), has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, and whose levels in the blood may become elevated in response to physical or psychological stress

called also hydrocortisone