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. See hydrocortisone
   another name for hydrocortisone

cortisol

/ kôr′tĭ-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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cortisol¹

First recorded in 1950–55; cortis(one) + -ol ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cortisol¹

C20: from cortis ( one ) + -ol ²

Example Sentences

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

From Popular-Science

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.

From Outside Online

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

From Singularity Hub 

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

From Washington Post

Our endocrine system releases more cortisol, a stress hormone.

From No Straight News

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast