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

Delights Woman Finds Cat 'Fast Asleep' on Her Bed, but There's Just One Problem Cats with lower testosterone and cortisol levels, for instance, were found to be more tolerant of other felines and even willing to share food. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

Dancing reduces cortisol levels and releases oxytocin (the bonding hormone that is released when connecting with others), dopamine and endorphins. —Rona Berg, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Researchers have found elevated levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in herds exposed to wolves. —Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025

Unlike adrenaline’s quick action, cortisol plays a longer-term role in helping the body cope with sustained stress. —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

cortisone + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cortisol

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• guaiacol

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