glucocorticoid

noun

glu·​co·​cor·​ti·​coid ˌglü-kō-ˈkȯr-ti-ˌkȯid 

: 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Working on the assumption that the monkeys use hot springs to keep warm, the Kyoto University team tested the animals’ feces for levels of glucocorticoids, a metabolite that is linked to biological stress, explains Rachael Rettner of Live Science. —Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, 5 Apr. 2018

For seven years, Gabe has taken a daily dose of deflazacort — a common glucocorticoid prescribed around the world for conditions like asthma, juvenile chronic arthritis and ulcerative colitis. —Lily O’neill, kansascity.com, 21 June 2017

And, Dr. Titze said, high glucocorticoid levels are linked to such conditions as osteoporosis, muscle loss, Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic problems. —Gina Kolata, New York Times, 8 May 2017

WADA announced the UCLA lab can continue its regular anti-doping work, but must obtain a second opinion before reporting any positive findings with four anabolic steroids and glucocorticoids. —David Wharton, latimes.com, 20 June 2017

Stress increases glucocorticoid levels in the blood, which help keep overzealous immune responses in check and quell inflammation. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 6 June 2017

Some of the hormones spotted in the mice after increased salt intake, glucocorticoids, are thought to affect hunger and are associated with diabetes and obesity. —Erin Blakemore, Smithsonian, 20 Apr. 2017

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Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

glucocorticoid

noun

glu·​co·​cor·​ti·​coid -ˈkȯrt-i-ˌkȯid 

: 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