Refine this word faster
Cortisol
//ˈkɔː.tɪ.sɒl// noun
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A glucocorticoid steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex 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. When used medicinally it is known as hydrocortisone. countable, uncountable
"There is experimental evidence showing that cortisol restrains the intensity and duration of the emergency reaction to stress, and catecholamines have been shown to enhance emotional memory in the amygdala (see subsection on "Noradrenaline"). Thus, individuals lacking cortisol would overstore traumatic memories ."
- 2 an adrenal-cortex hormone (trade names Hydrocortone or Cortef) that is active in carbohydrate and protein metabolism wordnet
Etymology
From cortisone + -ol.
See also for "cortisol"
Next best steps
Mini challenge
Unscramble this word: cortisol