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

Children with Cushing's syndrome often develop obesity and may also have slowed growth.3 Talk to your healthcare provider about any unexpected weight gain. —Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2025

However, certain conditions like Cushing's syndrome, adrenal cancer, osteoporosis, and obesity can raise your risk of developing one. —Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Aug. 2024

More:Zinc is an important nutrient, but get it from food, not supplements, experts say Bruising can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions or bleeding disorders such as cirrhosis, von Willebrand disease, Cushing's syndrome, or hemophilia. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024

According to the National Institutes of Health, Cushing's syndrome is caused by excessive levels of cortisol, known as the stress hormone, and can cause a range of symptoms including a round face, weight gain and weak muscles. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 27 Feb. 2024

Genetic disorders: Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, Cushing's syndrome, and Turner syndrome can influence height. —Maria Carter, Parents, 14 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Cushing's syndrome

• acrosome
• aerodrome
• catacomb
• centrosome
• chromosome
• cytochrome
• hippodrome
• honeycomb
• liposome
• meerschaum
• metronome
• microtome

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