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cortisol

[ kawr-tuh-sawl, -sohl ]

noun

  1. Biochemistry. one of several steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex and resembling cortisone in its action.
  2. Pharmacology. hydrocortisone.


cortisol

/ ˈkɔːtɪˌsɒl /

noun

  1. another name for hydrocortisone
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


cortisol

/ kôrtĭ-sôl′,-sōl′ /

  1. The principal steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. It regulates carbohydrate metabolism and the immune system and maintains blood pressure. When natural or synthetic cortisol is used as a pharmaceutical, it is known as hydrocortisone.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of cortisol1

First recorded in 1950–55; cortis(one) + -ol 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of cortisol1

C20: from cortis ( one ) + -ol ²
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Compare Meanings

How does cortisol compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

The bedside light syncs with the sunrise and sunset adjusting light levels to support the body’s circadian rhythm and cortisol levels.

Cortisol cycling occurs when you’re under constant stress, which can force your cortisol levels to stay elevated for far longer than is needed to outrun your rivals in a competition.

It’s a complicated picture, but the results suggest descendants have a higher net cortisol level and are therefore more susceptible to anxiety disorders.

One study found that recalling happy memories can lower our levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Our endocrine system releases more cortisol, a stress hormone.

Cortisol is going to go up, but it should go back down again.

“We get stressed out and flooded with cortisol,” Kaminsky explains.

The truth is that any exercise releases cortisol and results in a certain level of inflammation—and this is a good thing!

Your body begins to secrete adrenaline, your cortisol levels rise, and your heart starts pumping faster.

This helps us regulate our cortisol and melatonin levels for a proper wake and sleep cycle.

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cortinacortisone