prednisone

noun

pred·​ni·​sone ˈpred-nə-ˌsōn 

also

-ˌzōn 

: a glucocorticoid C₂₁H₂₆O₅ that is a dehydrogenated analog of cortisone and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, as an antineoplastic agent, and as an immunosuppressant

Examples of prednisone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Early intervention, in this situation, might involve corticosteroids (like hydrocortisone and prednisone) to calm inflammation and curb your autoimmune response. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 23 May 2025

The patient survived more than a year, and s survival time lengthened even further when doctors discovered that an immunosuppressant worked better if given along with the steroid prednisone. —Nadia Kounang, CNN Money, 17 May 2025

Coming out of surgery was difficult because of a rough reaction to the steroid prednisone. —David Oliver, USA Today, 7 May 2025

When used, both chemotherapy drugs above are typically combined with a steroid, like prednisone, and given intravenously (through a vein) at an infusion center or hospital. —Matthew Wosnitzer, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably from pregnane (C₂₁H₃₆) + diene (compound containing two double bonds) + cortisone

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

prednisone

noun

pred·​ni·​sone

ˈpred-nə-ˌsōn also -ˌzōn

: a glucocorticoid C₂₁H₂₆O₅ that is a dehydrogenated analog of cortisone and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, as an antineoplastic agent, and as an immunosuppressant