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

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

Research has also found that patients with long COVID tend to have lower cortisol levels and lower testosterone levels. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2024

Your mission as a leader is to create a warm, welcoming, and highly productive work culture that is conducive to wellbeing and health; one that limits the need for cortisol to be activated as far as possible, in your own body and in those of your team members. —Rachel Wells, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

Most people’s cortisol dips at night and then increases in the morning. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 29 Feb. 2024

Daniel goes on to tell me that chronic cortisol exposure leads to oxidative stress, damaging mitochondria and decreasing their production. —Meggen Harris, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024

Brain cells involved in emotional processing fire rapidly, triggering the adrenal glands in the kidneys to release the stress hormone cortisol. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Scientific American, 16 Feb. 2024

Think about incorporating a meditative yoga session into your day or even something simple, like going for a walk or speaking to a friend, which can all help cortisol (the stress hormone) levels drop. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 14 Mar. 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