cortisol

American  

[kawr-tuh-sawl, -sohl] / ˈkɔr təˌsɔl, -ˌsoʊl /

noun

1. Biochemistry. one of several steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex and resembling cortisone in its action.

2. Pharmacology. hydrocortisone.

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cortisol British  

/ ˈkɔːtɪˌsɒl /

noun

1. another name for hydrocortisone

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cortisol Scientific  

/ kôr′tĭ-sôl′,-sōl′ /

1. The principal steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. It regulates carbohydrate metabolism and the immune system and maintains blood pressure. When natural or synthetic cortisol is used as a pharmaceutical, it is known as hydrocortisone.

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Etymology

Origin of cortisol

First recorded in 1950–55; cortis(one) + -ol ¹

Compare meaning

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

• cortisone vs. cortisol

Example Sentences

Patients with cortisol levels above 1.8 ug/dL were classified as having hypercortisolism.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

However, when cortisol levels stay elevated over time, it can lead to serious health problems.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

In chaotic situations, he says, the brain of the average daredevil doesn’t produce much cortisol, a chemical involved in the fight or flight response.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

“We’re going to continue pushing for dialogue,” Goldhirsh said, “because connecting on common ground is better for happiness than you know, finding joy in the cortisol of the fight or flight experience.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

“They are now juxtaposing their typical day against this new feeling, what it feels like to not have cortisol going through the roof,” he says.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel