cortisol

[kawr-tuh-sawl, -sohl]

noun

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

2. Pharmacology.,  hydrocortisone.

cortisol

/ ˈkɔːtɪˌsɒl /

noun

1. another name for hydrocortisone

cortisol

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cortisol¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cortisol¹

C20: from _cortis ( _one ) + _-ol ²

Example Sentences

Willis says that spending time outdoors lowers levels of cortisol and adrenaline - the hormones that surge when you're stressed or anxious.

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This triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone that suppresses immune responses.

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Exercise does the same thing to your body as stress does - it raises your heart rate, puts your blood pressure up, makes you breather faster and releases adrenaline and cortisol.

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Testosterone, she explains, goes up on match days, as does adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol.

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The watchdog also found the advert's suggestion that the magnesium in the drink could reduce serum cortisol levels breached the code.

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