glucocorticoid

[ gloo-koh-kawr-ti-koid ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any of a class of steroid hormones that are synthesized by the adrenal cortex of vertebrates and have anti-inflammatory activity.

glucocorticoid

/ ˌɡluːkəʊˈkɔːtɪˌkɔɪd /

noun

1. any of a class of corticosteroids that control carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism and have anti-inflammatory activity

Word History and Origins

Origin of glucocorticoid¹

1945–50; gluco- + cortic(o)- ( def ) + -oid; corticosteroid

Example Sentences

These financial stressors would have flooded the hippocampus with glucocorticoids for months, damaging cells, destroying synapses, and ultimately shrinking the region.

From MIT Technology Review

Too many glucocorticoids for too long can impair the connections both within the prefrontal cortex and between it and the amygdala.

From MIT Technology Review

In the long term, elevated levels of glucocorticoids can cause changes that may lead to depression, anxiety, forgetfulness, and inattention.

From MIT Technology Review