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 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 Left untreated, Cushing's syndrome can lead to heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, among other medical issues, says the NIDDK. 4. —

Alexis Jones, Women's Health, 14 Mar. 2023 The cause of high blood pressure is usually unknown and can include: ● High salt intake or other conditions that increase sodium retention in your body, such as kidney disease or hormonal problems like Cushing's syndrome. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Cushing's syndrome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

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

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Dictionary Entries Near Cushing's syndrome

Cushing's disease

Cushing's syndrome

cushion

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“Cushing's syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cushing%27s%20syndrome. Accessed 27 Sep. 2023.

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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