prednisone

noun

pred·​ni·​sone ˈpred-nə-ˌsōn 

also

-ˌzōn 

: a glucocorticoid C₂₁H₂₆O₅ that is a dehydrogenated analog of cortisone and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, as an antineoplastic agent, and as an immunosuppressant

Examples of prednisone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Corticosteroids: Some corticosteroids, like prednisone, can be combined with chemotherapy treatment to improve symptoms. —Barbara Brody, Health, 9 June 2024

What’s more, Schulte suffered a severe allergic reaction to the infusion therapy, requiring a heavy dose of prednisone, a steroid with grave side effects if used at high doses for too long. —Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2024

With everything else ruled out, Aronson started the patient on a high dose of prednisone to calm what still seemed most likely to be an allergic inflammatory process. —Lisa Sanders, M.d., New York Times, 16 May 2024

How to treat alopecia areata and other autoimmune disorders Corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone and prednisone, are commonly prescribed (topically, orally, or through injections) to both alleviate inflammation and curb the autoimmune response. —Krissy Brady, SELF, 5 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from pregnane (C₂₁H₃₆) + diene (compound containing two double bonds) + cortisone

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

prednisone

noun

pred·​ni·​sone

ˈpred-nə-ˌsōn also -ˌzōn

: a glucocorticoid C₂₁H₂₆O₅ that is a dehydrogenated analog of cortisone and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, as an antineoplastic agent, and as an immunosuppressant