cortisol
noun
cor·ti·sol
ˈkȯr-tə-ˌsȯl 
-ˌzȯl,
-ˌsōl,
-ˌzōl
: a glucocorticoid C21H30O5 produced by the adrenal cortex upon stimulation by ACTH that mediates various metabolic processes (such as gluconeogenesis), has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, and whose levels in the blood may become elevated in response to physical or psychological stress
called also hydrocortisone
Examples of cortisol in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That means more time to focus on important things, like regulating your cortisol levels or hunting down the perfect beach outfit.
—
Iman Balagam, Vogue, 17 July 2025
High-pressure situations, like competitions, can put the body into states of hyperarousal, where the body is surging with cortisol, adrenaline, and dopamine.
—Brook Choulet, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
Engineers developed dental floss that tests cortisol levels.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
Certain supplements and lifestyle changes may help keep cortisol levels in check.1
1.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cortisol
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Iman Balagam, Vogue, 17 July 2025
High-pressure situations, like competitions, can put the body into states of hyperarousal, where the body is surging with cortisol, adrenaline, and dopamine.
—Brook Choulet, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
Engineers developed dental floss that tests cortisol levels.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
Certain supplements and lifestyle changes may help keep cortisol levels in check.1
1.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cortisol
Cite this Entry
“Cortisol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cortisol. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
cortisol
noun
cor·ti·sol
ˈkȯrt-ə-ˌsȯl, -ˌzȯl, -ˌsōl, -ˌzōl
: a glucocorticoid C21H30O5 produced by the adrenal cortex upon stimulation by ACTH that mediates various metabolic processes (as gluconeogenesis), has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, and whose levels in the blood may become elevated in response to physical or psychological stress
called also hydrocortisone
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share