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

In the first three days of their stay, cortisol levels were found to be almost three times higher than that of an ordinary household dog. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025

Some evidence shows very high cortisol levels can suppress immune cell activity and make the body more vulnerable to infections.11 While short-term stress can temporarily boost immunity, long-term stress disrupts immune function and increases the risk of illness. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 23 Feb. 2025

Factors such as lifestyle, cortisol levels, diet, and genetics have always been targeted as areas in-need of change. —Tanya Akim, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

This included exercise and reducing her steroid injections until her body’s cortisol levels balanced out. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 7 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