glucocorticoid

noun

glu·​co·​cor·​ti·​coid ˌglü-kō-ˈkȯr-ti-ˌkȯid How to pronounce glucocorticoid (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Glucocorticoid injection: If more conservative methods aren't working for carpal tunnel syndrome, healthcare providers may administer injections of glucocorticoids—a type of steroid—to the affected joints to reduce swelling. Mark Gurarie, Health, 13 Feb. 2025 Treatment with atypical antipsychotics, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medications, or glucocorticoids. Carisa Brewster, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025 Because the one thing actually worse for your liver than alcohol is alcohol with this new class of glucocorticoids. Ayad Akhtar, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2024 Additional measures include correcting hypercalcemia using loop diuretics, bisphosphonates, glucocorticoids, or calcitonin (bone hormone drug), and renal replacement therapies if the kidneys have been affected. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024 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

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glucocorticoid was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near glucocorticoid

Cite this Entry

“Glucocorticoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glucocorticoid. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

glucocorticoid

noun
glu·​co·​cor·​ti·​coid -ˈkȯrt-i-ˌkȯid How to pronounce glucocorticoid (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on glucocorticoid

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