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

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 physiological effects of stress and strong emotions, for example, can influence hormones such as cortisol, insulin and glucose, which can also increase appetite.

From Salon

If you don't do that, you end up in a place that is morose and in some strange way, addicted to cortisol.

From Salon

Commonly called the human "negativity bias," we train our mental energy on perceived danger, releasing cortisol and triggering flight or fight instincts that have served mammals from the beginning.

From Salon

Although some online proponents suggest that doing so will disrupt your body’s normal waking process by interfering with the natural rise of cortisol, there is little evidence for this.

From Seattle Times

Heat also leads to chemical changes, such as lowering levels of cortisol in the blood.

From Seattle Times