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

Cortisol Awakening Response as a Biomarker A 2025 study confirmed CAR as a viable biomarker for HPA axis function and found that life stressors and chronic stress meaningfully alter individual cortisol patterns. —Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026

Within 30 to 45 minutes of opening your eyes, your bloodstream floods with cortisol. —Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026

Salivary cortisol kits sampled at waking, plus 30 and 45 minutes, can give you a personal CAR curve. —Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026

For people sleeping around 6 hours, cortisol crested after waking, making the experience more intense. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

cortisone + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cortisol

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• guaiacol

Medical 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