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
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While prior research had documented higher cortisol levels on weekdays compared to weekends, this study is the first to isolate Monday as uniquely disruptive.
—
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
Foods and supplements and practices for balancing that cortisol!
—Ana Morales, Vogue, 5 July 2025
While humans need cortisol to live and a certain level of stress can support personal growth, elevated cortisol levels can be an indicator of chronic stress.
—Renée Onque, CNBC, 3 July 2025
Some people may see their symptoms improve after trying cortisol cocktails thanks to the placebo effect.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cortisol
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Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
Foods and supplements and practices for balancing that cortisol!
—Ana Morales, Vogue, 5 July 2025
While humans need cortisol to live and a certain level of stress can support personal growth, elevated cortisol levels can be an indicator of chronic stress.
—Renée Onque, CNBC, 3 July 2025
Some people may see their symptoms improve after trying cortisol cocktails thanks to the placebo effect.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cortisol
Cite this Entry
“Cortisol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/dictionary/cortisol. Accessed 12 Jul. 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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