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

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which degrades collagen and slows barrier recovery. —Allison Palmer june 12, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026

Your brain floods with cortisol and adrenaline, and even the smallest frustrations feel huge. —Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 12 June 2026

High cortisol can interfere with sleep. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 9 June 2026

Having high levels of the stress hormone cortisol alone can also cause this imbalance. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 8 June 2026

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
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol
• 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