cortisone

American  

[kawr-tuh-zohn, -sohn] / ˈkɔr təˌzoʊn, -ˌsoʊn /

noun

1. Biochemistry. a steroid hormone of the adrenal cortex, C 21 H 28 O 5 , active in carbohydrate and protein metabolism.

2. Pharmacology. a commercial form of this compound, obtained by extraction from the adrenal glands of certain domesticated animals or produced synthetically, used chiefly in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatic fever, certain allergies, and other systemic conditions.

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cortisone British  

/ -ˌzəʊn, ˈkɔːtɪˌsəʊn /

noun

1. a glucocorticoid hormone, the synthetic form of which has been used in treating rheumatoid arthritis, allergic and skin diseases, leukaemia, etc; 17-hydroxy-11-dehydrocorticosterone. Formula: C 21 H 28 O 5

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cortisone Scientific  

/ kôr′tĭ-sōn′ /

1. A steroid hormone that is easily formed from or converted to cortisol in the blood and is also produced synthetically for use as a pharmaceutical. The effects of cortisone on body tissues are similar to those of naturally or synthetically produced cortisol.

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cortisone Cultural  

1. A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that is important in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. It is used in medicine to treat some forms of arthritis and to reduce inflammation.

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Etymology

Origin of cortisone

1949; shortening of cortico-sterone; sterol, -one

Compare meaning

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

• cortisone vs. cortisol

Example Sentences

Max said that if he had not been able to get a cortisone shot, which was covered by Medicaid, he wouldn’t be able to work with his right arm.

From Salon • May 3, 2025

He took a cortisone injection but was unable to pitch in the five-game World Series win over the Yankees.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2025

The team administered high doses of intravenous cortisone, a first-line treatment for brain inflammation.

From Science Magazine • May 15, 2024

The glucocorticoid cortisone is actually naturally present in the body as cortisol, a stress hormone.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2024

She was swollen with cortisone, moonfaced, not the slender mother Rahel knew.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy