cortisone

noun cor·ti·sone \ ˈkȯr-tə-ˌsōn , -ˌzōn \

|Updated on: 7 Jun 2018

Definition of cortisone

: a glucocorticoid C₂₁H₂₈O₅ of the adrenal cortex used in synthetic form especially as an anti-inflammatory agent (as for rheumatoid arthritis)

See cortisone defined for English-language learners

See cortisone defined for kids

Recent Examples of cortisone from the Web

Extra bases Hedges is working without setback (and without a cortisone shot) so far toward resuming a rehab assignment.

— kevin acee, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres notes: Hand rides slider; Castillo up to Petco for first time again," 2 June 2018
First, treat the inflammation with either a cortisone gel or redness-reducing eye drops.

— maureen choi, Glamour, "The Best Glowy Skin Tips From Meghan Markle’s Makeup Artist," 21 May 2018
Drew Robinson, who hit the DL on Monday, will receive a cortisone injection in his left hip and then head to Arizona for extended spring training.

— jeff wilson, star-telegram, "Chirinos scratched from Rangers' lineup. Is the DL a possibility? | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 9 May 2018
Lamb, who received a cortisone shot following the MRI, is expected to have his rehab delayed by at least a few days.

— richard morin, azcentral, "Diamondbacks' Jake Lamb experiences setback with left shoulder inflammation," 4 May 2018
Despite trying therapies ranging from cortisone shots to a back operation the pain persisted.

— dr. sanjay gupta and roni selig, CNN, "Jack Nicklaus' secret stem cell therapy: 'I didn't keep it private; no one asked me about it'," 27 Apr. 2018
Around the horn: An MRI performed on right-hander Gabriel Ynoa on Friday revealed only rotator cuff inflammation, but Ynoa could receive a cortisone injection to relief the inflammation.

— eduardo a. encina, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop lands on DL with right oblique strain," 14 Apr. 2018
What to do: For a stubborn cystic zit (these can last up to 10 days!), dab cortisone on the spot (only once or twice total — too much can backfire), says Dr. Bowe.

— jillian ruffo, Seventeen, "Why Your Period Makes You Break Out and How to Deal," 17 Feb. 2017
My feet, with plantar fasciitis far worse in the right, the same foot that was treated with cortisone shots last summer.

— lori nickel, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Chin Up: Continual injury issues can leave you running on empty," 10 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cortisone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cortisone

alteration of corticosterone

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1949

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

CORTISONE Defined for English Language Learners

cortisone

noun

Definition of cortisone for English Language Learners

medical : a hormone that is used to treat arthritis and other diseases

Medical Dictionary

cortisone

noun cor·ti·sone \ -ˌsōn, -ˌzōn \

medical Definition of cortisone

: a glucocorticoid C₂₁H₂₈O₅ that is produced naturally in small amounts by the adrenal cortex and is administered in the form of its synthetic acetate C₂₃H₃₀O₆ especially as replacement therapy for deficient adrenocortical secretion and as an anti-inflammatory agent (as for rheumatoid arthritis) — compare 11-dehydrocorticosterone