corticosterone
noun
cor·ti·co·ste·rone
ˌkȯr-tə-ˈkä-stə-ˌrōn 
-ti-kō-stə-ˈrōn;
ˌkȯr-ti-kō-ˈstir-ˌōn,
-ˈster-
: a colorless crystalline corticosteroid C21H30O4 that is important in protein and carbohydrate metabolism
Examples of corticosterone in a Sentence
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While human stress is largely influenced by the hormone cortisol, the equivalent in rats is called corticosterone.
—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
11 Dec. 2025
In one animal research, researchers discovered that kratom lowers corticosterone levels in mice.
—
Amber Smith,
Discover Magazine,
10 Oct. 2022
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Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
11 Dec. 2025
In one animal research, researchers discovered that kratom lowers corticosterone levels in mice.
—
Amber Smith,
Discover Magazine,
10 Oct. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Corticosterone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corticosterone. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
corticosterone
noun
cor·ti·co·ste·rone
ˌkȯrt-ə-ˈkäs-tə-ˌrōn, -i-kō-stə-ˈ; ˌkȯrt-i-kō-ˈsti(ə)r-ˌōn, -ˈste(ə)r-
: a colorless crystalline corticosteroid C21H30O4 of the adrenal cortex that is important in protein and carbohydrate metabolism
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