hydrocortisone

American  

[hahy-druh-kawr-tuh-zohn, -sohn] / ˌhaɪ drəˈkɔr təˌzoʊn, -ˌsoʊn /

noun

1. Biochemistry. a steroid hormone, C 21 H 30 O 5 , of the adrenal cortex, active in carbohydrate and protein metabolism.

2. Also called cortisol.  Pharmacology. a powerful anti-inflammatory drug, C 21 H 30 O 5 , used in the treatment of shock, allergies, certain forms of arthritis, and other conditions.

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hydrocortisone British  

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊˈkɔːtɪˌzəʊn /

noun

1. Also called: cortisol.  the principal glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex; 17-hydroxycorticosterone. The synthesized form is used mainly in treating rheumatic, allergic, and inflammatory disorders. Formula: C 21 H 30 O 5

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hydrocortisone Scientific  

/ hī′drə-kôr′tĭ-sōn′,-zōn′ /

1. A preparation of the hormone cortisol that is obtained naturally or produced synthetically and is used widely in the treatment of inflammatory conditions and allergies.

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Etymology

Origin of hydrocortisone

First recorded in 1950–55; hydro- ² + cortisone

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hydrocortisone

“I tried my best to do traditional acupuncture, physical therapy and hydrocortisone shots in my spine and everything,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 4, 2026

Adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease, was a fatal condition until hydrocortisone was invented in the 1930s.

From Slate ● Sep. 9, 2025

He cited Dr Stanhope's findings that while "stopping the hydrocortisone would not have helped", paediatricians "felt it was the right decision".

From BBC ● Jan. 10, 2024

Although rare, these adrenal conditions require lifelong daily hydrocortisone replacement therapy.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 20, 2023

Look for a cream with hydrocortisone, a mild steroid that is typically used two times a day for two weeks.

From Washington Post ● Feb. 13, 2023