glucocorticoid

noun

glu·​co·​cor·​ti·​coid ˌglü-kō-ˈkȯr-ti-ˌkȯid How to pronounce glucocorticoid (audio)
: any of a group of corticosteroids (such as cortisol) that are involved especially in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, that are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive, and that are used widely in medicine (as to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis) compare mineralocorticoid

Examples of glucocorticoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Certain medications temporarily increase the risk of insulin resistance, including a class of steroids called glucocorticoids, some antipsychotics and some HIV medicines, Kellis said. Knvul Sheikh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2024 Those who take glucocorticoids in large quantities over a long period may develop exogenous Cushing syndrome, as these medicines function like cortisol in the body. Madeline Nguyen, The Arizona Republic, 25 Feb. 2024 Immune suppressing medications such as glucocorticoids and calcineurin inhibitors are most often prescribed, and in July 2022 the cream ruxolitinib was approved in the United States for the treatment of vitiligo. Emily Kirkpatrick, Peoplemag, 25 May 2023 Once it is switched on, your body is flooded with glucocorticoids, a fat-storing hormone. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 24 May 2023 Prescription medications for croup might include glucocorticoids for mild cases of croup or dexamethasone or epinephrine for moderate to severe croup. Ashley Abramson, Health, 9 Mar. 2023 Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 28 Feb. 2022 Researchers have theorized that stress might reduce sperm concentrations by producing a rush of glucocorticoids, a class of steroid hormones that temper the secretion of testosterone from cells in the testes. New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020 Previous studies have shown that cold temperatures cause glucocorticoids to increase in a number of primates—among them Japanese macaques. Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, 5 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'glucocorticoid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glucocorticoid was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near glucocorticoid

Cite this Entry

“Glucocorticoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glucocorticoid. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

glucocorticoid

noun
glu·​co·​cor·​ti·​coid -ˈkȯrt-i-ˌkȯid How to pronounce glucocorticoid (audio)
: any of a group of corticosteroids (as cortisol or dexamethasone) that are involved especially in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, that tend to increase liver glycogen and blood sugar by increasing gluconeogenesis, that are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive, and that are used widely in medicine (as in the alleviation of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis) compare mineralocorticoid

More from Merriam-Webster on glucocorticoid

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