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
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.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Cushing's syndrome was in 1937

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cushing's syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cushing%27s%20syndrome. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

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, hyperadrenocorticism

More from Merriam-Webster on Cushing's syndrome

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!