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
Some research shows sleep apnea can cause an increase in cortisol, your body's stress hormone.
—
Sherri Gordon, Health, 18 Dec. 2025
Other studies have shown that activities such as playing the piano or doing calligraphy significantly lower cortisol, a stress hormone.
—Stacy Shaw, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025
Once the cortisol is normalized, which is the most important step, there’s a role to use adjunct medications to decrease weight.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 13 Dec. 2025
Johns Hopkins Medicine describes Cushing syndrome as a rare hormonal disorder that produces high levels of the hormone cortisol in the body over long periods of time.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cortisol
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Sherri Gordon, Health, 18 Dec. 2025
Other studies have shown that activities such as playing the piano or doing calligraphy significantly lower cortisol, a stress hormone.
—Stacy Shaw, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025
Once the cortisol is normalized, which is the most important step, there’s a role to use adjunct medications to decrease weight.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 13 Dec. 2025
Johns Hopkins Medicine describes Cushing syndrome as a rare hormonal disorder that produces high levels of the hormone cortisol in the body over long periods of time.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 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 23 Dec. 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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