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
Feeling relaxed reduces the stress hormone cortisol, which can interrupt sleep.
—
Kristen Rogers, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025
Chronic stress may negatively impact your immune system by increasing levels of the hormone cortisol and suppressing the immune system.
—Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025
Sleeping issues: Your cortisol levels change throughout the day.
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 3 Mar. 2025
That constant stress keeps cortisol levels elevated, worsening menopausal symptoms and increasing risks of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.
—Dr. Kudzai Dombo, Flow Space, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cortisol
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Kristen Rogers, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025
Chronic stress may negatively impact your immune system by increasing levels of the hormone cortisol and suppressing the immune system.
—Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025
Sleeping issues: Your cortisol levels change throughout the day.
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 3 Mar. 2025
That constant stress keeps cortisol levels elevated, worsening menopausal symptoms and increasing risks of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.
—Dr. Kudzai Dombo, Flow Space, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cortisol
Cite this Entry
“Cortisol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cortisol. Accessed 12 Mar. 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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