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.
This enzyme helps regulate how fat tissue responds to glucocorticoids (a type of catabolic hormone). — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 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

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glucocorticoid was in 1950

Rhymes for glucocorticoid

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Browse Nearby Words

glucke
glucocorticoid
glucokinase
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Cite this Entry

“Glucocorticoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glucocorticoid. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about glucocorticoid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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