cortisol

noun

cor·​ti·​sol ˈkȯr-tə-ˌsȯl 

-ˌzȯl, 

-ˌsōl, 

-ˌzōl

: a glucocorticoid C₂₁H₃₀O₅ produced by the adrenal cortex upon stimulation by ACTH that mediates various metabolic processes (such as gluconeogenesis), has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, and whose levels in the blood may become elevated in response to physical or psychological stress

called also hydrocortisone

Examples of cortisol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cold symptoms often worsen at night due to inflammation, low cortisol, and lying down. —Carrie Madormo, Health, 28 Nov. 2025

Male Turkana warriors with and without apparent PTSD have the same levels of cortisol, but those with PTSD wake up with lower testosterone levels. —Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025

Researchers from the University of Rochester, New York State, found that infants born to mothers with higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol tended to develop their first teeth earlier—sometimes, months ahead of peers. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Nov. 2025

The massage can also lower your levels of cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone) while increasing serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters linked to well-being and mood balance. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

cortisone + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cortisol

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• guaiacol

Medical Definition

cortisol

noun

cor·​ti·​sol ˈkȯrt-ə-ˌsȯl, -ˌzȯl, -ˌsōl, -ˌzōl 

: a glucocorticoid C₂₁H₃₀O₅ produced by the adrenal cortex upon stimulation by ACTH that mediates various metabolic processes (as gluconeogenesis), has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, and whose levels in the blood may become elevated in response to physical or psychological stress

called also hydrocortisone