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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Delights Woman Finds Cat 'Fast Asleep' on Her Bed, but There's Just One Problem
Cats with lower testosterone and cortisol levels, for instance, were found to be more tolerant of other felines and even willing to share food.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Dancing reduces cortisol levels and releases oxytocin (the bonding hormone that is released when connecting with others), dopamine and endorphins.
—Rona Berg, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Researchers have found elevated levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in herds exposed to wolves.
—Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Unlike adrenaline’s quick action, cortisol plays a longer-term role in helping the body cope with sustained stress.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cortisol
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Dancing reduces cortisol levels and releases oxytocin (the bonding hormone that is released when connecting with others), dopamine and endorphins.
—Rona Berg, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Researchers have found elevated levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in herds exposed to wolves.
—Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Unlike adrenaline’s quick action, cortisol plays a longer-term role in helping the body cope with sustained stress.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 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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