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
Spending a few seconds in frigid water can cause a spike in cortisol, the stress hormone.
—
Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2025
Your heart rate spikes, the stress hormone cortisol surges, and your system reacts as though the threat of the monsters were real.
—Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
Slow and deep diaphragmatic breathing (from your belly instead of your chest) while stretching can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce the stress hormone cortisol, and help blood vessels widen to increase blood flow, all of which lower blood pressure, Amirian says.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Another experiment found people who used their phone while walking on a treadmill had higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, afterward.
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cortisol
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Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2025
Your heart rate spikes, the stress hormone cortisol surges, and your system reacts as though the threat of the monsters were real.
—Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
Slow and deep diaphragmatic breathing (from your belly instead of your chest) while stretching can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce the stress hormone cortisol, and help blood vessels widen to increase blood flow, all of which lower blood pressure, Amirian says.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Another experiment found people who used their phone while walking on a treadmill had higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, afterward.
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 14 Oct. 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 3 Nov. 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
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