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

Examples of glucocorticoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Steroid use and misuse can cause fluctuations in hormones—for example, higher testosterone due to anabolic steroids or Addison's disease (when the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones like cortisol and aldosterone) due to glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisone). —Wendy Wisner, Health, 12 Sep. 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, 12 June 2024

This link makes sense, Sørensen says: stress such as frequent awakening raises levels of glucocorticoids, which inhibit insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. —Joanne Silberner, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2024

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

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

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