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
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The chic, award-winning, mold-inhibiting, purse-friendly and dermatologist recommended unit also comes with a space for an aromatherapy stone and essential oils to keep your cortisol levels low while micromanaging troublesome coworkers.
—
Tanya Akim, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
However, if your body is under chronic stress, your cortisol levels will remain high for long periods, which disrupts the body’s ability to cope with and manage stress.
—Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 18 Mar. 2025
As back as 2006, a study published in the journal Physiology and Behavior identified a reduction in salivary cortisol levels among dogs who regularly engaged in human contact sessions.
—Jack Beresford, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Decreasing cortisol levels can calm your nervous system and potentially improve sleep.7
Magnesium also affects how well your body produces melatonin.
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cortisol
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Tanya Akim, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
However, if your body is under chronic stress, your cortisol levels will remain high for long periods, which disrupts the body’s ability to cope with and manage stress.
—Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 18 Mar. 2025
As back as 2006, a study published in the journal Physiology and Behavior identified a reduction in salivary cortisol levels among dogs who regularly engaged in human contact sessions.
—Jack Beresford, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Decreasing cortisol levels can calm your nervous system and potentially improve sleep.7
Magnesium also affects how well your body produces melatonin.
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cortisol
Cite this Entry
“Cortisol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cortisol. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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