cortisol

noun

cor·​ti·​sol ˈkȯr-tə-ˌsȯl How to pronounce cortisol (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Researchers have since linked the practice to lower cortisol, lower blood pressure and a measurable lift in mood, partly credited to phytoncides, the aromatic compounds trees exhale. — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 According to his parents, Ryan was diagnosed with Addison’s disease, an autoimmune disease in which the body doesn’t produce cortisol and aldosterone. — Edie Peffley, NBC news, 8 July 2026 Chronic stress triggers elevated levels of the hormone cortisol, which can impair memory. — Zia Sherrell, Health, 7 July 2026 Stress and metabolic hormones such as cortisol and insulin tend to rise in the morning and fall throughout the day, which is why experts say that our bodies are better able to digest and metabolize food earlier in the day rather than later. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cortisol

Word History

Etymology

cortisone + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cortisol was in 1951

Rhymes for cortisol

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Browse Nearby Words

cortine
cortisol
cortisone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cortisol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cortisol. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

cortisol

noun
cor·​ti·​sol ˈkȯrt-ə-ˌsȯl, -ˌzȯl, -ˌsōl, -ˌzōl How to pronounce cortisol (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on cortisol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cortisol

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