-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Cushing's syndrome
noun
: an abnormal condition caused by excess levels of corticosteroids and especially cortisol in the body due either to hyperfunction of the adrenal gland (as from adrenal adenoma or hypersecretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland) or to prolonged use of corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone) and that is characterized by a variety of signs and symptoms including a full, rounded face with plethora, fatty deposits in the face, neck, and upper back, truncal obesity, easy bruising, fatigue, muscle weakness, and hypertension see Cushing's disease
Examples of Cushing's syndrome in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Too much steroid in the bloodstream can cause Cushing's syndrome (hormonal disorder caused by high levels of cortisol) or increase the risk of side effects, such as high blood pressure or fluid retention.13
7.
—Ross Phan, Pharmd, Bcacp, Bcgp, Bcps, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024
The body can make too much cortisol on its own, but Cushing's syndrome usually results from taking steroids for a long time.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2024
However, certain conditions like Cushing's syndrome, adrenal cancer, osteoporosis, and obesity can raise your risk of developing one.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Aug. 2024
More:Zinc is an important nutrient, but get it from food, not supplements, experts say
Bruising can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions or bleeding disorders such as cirrhosis, von Willebrand disease, Cushing's syndrome, or hemophilia.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024
But for some people, the physical symptoms of Cushing's syndrome remain despite their body not producing any cortisol.
—Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 29 Feb. 2024
According to the National Institutes of Health, Cushing's syndrome is caused by excessive levels of cortisol, known as the stress hormone, and can cause a range of symptoms including a round face, weight gain and weak muscles.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 27 Feb. 2024
Genetic disorders: Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, Cushing's syndrome, and Turner syndrome can influence height.
—Maria Carter, Parents, 14 Sep. 2023
Irregular periods can be a sign of hypothyroidism and other endocrine disorders that affect the pituitary gland, such as Cushing's syndrome, which occurs when your body produces too much cortisol.
—Emilia Benton, Women's Health, 26 Apr. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1937, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of Cushing's syndrome was
in 1937
Dictionary Entries Near Cushing's syndrome
Cite this Entry
“Cushing's syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cushing%27s%20syndrome. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
Cushing's syndrome
noun
: an abnormal condition caused by excess levels of corticosteroids and especially cortisol in the body due either to hyperfunction of the adrenal gland (as from adrenal adenoma or hypersecretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland) or to prolonged use of corticosteroid medications (as prednisone) and that is characterized by a variety of signs and symptoms including a change in appearance marked by moon face with plethora and truncal obesity, easy bruising, fatigue, muscle weakness, and hypertension
called also adrenogenital syndrome
compare cushing's disease, hyperadrenocorticismMore from Merriam-Webster on Cushing's syndrome
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Cushing's syndrome
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share