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
The condition occurs when too much cortisol (the primary stress hormone) is inside one's body for a long time, according to the Mayo Clinic.
—
Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025
Implement screen-free breaks Blue light from our phone screens stimulates the production of cortisol, a stress hormone, said Larry Rosen, professor emeritus at California State University at Dominguez Hills and co-author of numerous books on the psychology of technology.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
Interacting with pets can lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol (a stress hormone), improve mood, reduce loneliness, and provide a sense of social support.16
9.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2025
Cold Shock Response An icy dip reportedly triggers the release of adrenaline, serotonin, cortisol and dopamine which translate, among other benefits, into boosts for the immune system, improvement of blood circulation, increase of libido and burning of calories.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
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Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025
Implement screen-free breaks Blue light from our phone screens stimulates the production of cortisol, a stress hormone, said Larry Rosen, professor emeritus at California State University at Dominguez Hills and co-author of numerous books on the psychology of technology.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
Interacting with pets can lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol (a stress hormone), improve mood, reduce loneliness, and provide a sense of social support.16
9.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2025
Cold Shock Response An icy dip reportedly triggers the release of adrenaline, serotonin, cortisol and dopamine which translate, among other benefits, into boosts for the immune system, improvement of blood circulation, increase of libido and burning of calories.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cortisol
Dictionary Entries Near cortisol
Cite this Entry
“Cortisol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cortisol. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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