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
Sautter said this is because intense exercise triggers a spike in cortisol and adrenaline and raises your core temperature.
—
Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026
But vasopressin also helps trigger cortisol, your main stress hormone.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2026
Earlier dog studies linked lower levels of cortisol and higher levels of serotonin with less aggressive behavior.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Feb. 2026
As a result, cortisol can build up in the body.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cortisol
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Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026
But vasopressin also helps trigger cortisol, your main stress hormone.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2026
Earlier dog studies linked lower levels of cortisol and higher levels of serotonin with less aggressive behavior.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Feb. 2026
As a result, cortisol can build up in the body.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cortisol
Cite this Entry
“Cortisol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cortisol. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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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