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

Persistent stress and the feeling of being out of control trigger complex biological interactions, including the release of the hormones cortisol and adrenaline into the bloodstream, that interrupt normal body functioning. —Diane Harris, TIME, 15 Apr. 2024

Reduce Stress Research has shown that chronic (long-term) stress elevates the amount of the hormone cortisol. —Laura Dorwart, Health, 8 Apr. 2024

Plenty of research has investigated the bond between humans and dogs, demonstrating that canine companions can improve people’s moods, reduce blood pressure and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. —Aria Bendix, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2024

Similarly, exposure to sunlight in the morning stops melatonin production and bumps up the wake-up hormone cortisol. —Adria Greenhauff, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2024

Endogenous Cushing syndrome, the less common form of the disorder, is caused by factors within the body, such as excessive production of cortisol as a result of tumors. —Madeline Nguyen, The Arizona Republic, 25 Feb. 2024

Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can wreak havoc on your skin and accelerate the aging process. —Dr. Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024

Higher cortisol levels have been linked to more visceral fat.13 When possible, consider finding stress-relieving activities to do. —Carey Rossi, Health, 9 Apr. 2024

Remember, sleeping deeply every night helps curb cortisol levels, which helps your body get out of fat-storage mode while turning on your body’s fat-burning machinery. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

cortisone + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

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