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 those situations, levels of stress hormone cortisol drop while those of serotonin and endorphins rise.
—
Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 29 May 2026
Healing frequencies describe sounds and vibrations, usually in the 25 to 400 Hz range, that have been linked to measurable nervous system changes like lower cortisol, slower heart rate and a shift toward the parasympathetic rest-and-digest state.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026
Adaptogens work primarily by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis — the system that governs your stress hormones — and balancing cortisol.
—Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
Spending just 20 minutes walking in a green landscape has been shown to significantly lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol; outdoor time is also linked with improved sleep duration and quality.
—Petra Guglielmetti, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2026
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Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 29 May 2026
Healing frequencies describe sounds and vibrations, usually in the 25 to 400 Hz range, that have been linked to measurable nervous system changes like lower cortisol, slower heart rate and a shift toward the parasympathetic rest-and-digest state.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026
Adaptogens work primarily by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis — the system that governs your stress hormones — and balancing cortisol.
—Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
Spending just 20 minutes walking in a green landscape has been shown to significantly lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol; outdoor time is also linked with improved sleep duration and quality.
—Petra Guglielmetti, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cortisol
Cite this Entry
“Cortisol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cortisol. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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