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
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Researchers from the University of Rochester, New York State, found that infants born to mothers with higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol tended to develop their first teeth earlier—sometimes, months ahead of peers.
—
Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Nov. 2025
The massage can also lower your levels of cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone) while increasing serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters linked to well-being and mood balance.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025
Pituitary disease, infections, trauma, or certain medications, including chronic use of synthetic cortisol (glucocorticoids), can cause adrenal insufficiency, Tan added.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 12 Nov. 2025
The basic picture is that excessive training stress combined with underfueling increases levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which in turn suppresses levels of the thyroid hormone T3, which in turn wreaks havoc on your muscles, metabolism, hormone levels, and ability to respond to training.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 10 Nov. 2025
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Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Nov. 2025
The massage can also lower your levels of cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone) while increasing serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters linked to well-being and mood balance.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025
Pituitary disease, infections, trauma, or certain medications, including chronic use of synthetic cortisol (glucocorticoids), can cause adrenal insufficiency, Tan added.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 12 Nov. 2025
The basic picture is that excessive training stress combined with underfueling increases levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which in turn suppresses levels of the thyroid hormone T3, which in turn wreaks havoc on your muscles, metabolism, hormone levels, and ability to respond to training.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cortisol
Cite this Entry
“Cortisol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cortisol. Accessed 25 Nov. 2025.
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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