cortisone

noun

cor·​ti·​sone ˈkȯr-tə-ˌsōn How to pronounce cortisone (audio)
-ˌzōn
: a glucocorticoid C21H28O5 of the adrenal cortex used in synthetic form especially as an anti-inflammatory agent (as for rheumatoid arthritis)

Examples of cortisone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her gynecologist initially diagnosed her with dermatitis and recommended a cortisone cream. — Erica Sweeney, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2026 The king has hemolytic anemia and was being treated with cortisone, leading to fluid accumulation in the body that required hospital treatment, the palace said last week. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 Garcia had a few setbacks with his injury, including receiving a cortisone shot for some discomfort. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026 At Guarino Academy, she was later administered a cortisone injection, despite having glaucoma, according to her complaint. — Ella Moore july 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cortisone

Word History

Etymology

alteration of corticosterone

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cortisone was in 1949

Rhymes for cortisone

See All Rhymes for cortisone

Browse Nearby Words

cortisol
cortisone
Cortland
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cortisone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cortisone. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cortisone

noun
cor·​ti·​sone ˈkȯrt-ə-ˌsōn How to pronounce cortisone (audio)
-ˌzōn
: a hormone of the adrenal glands that is used especially to reduce inflammation (as in the treatment of arthritis)

Medical Definition

cortisone

noun
cor·​ti·​sone -ˌsōn, -ˌzōn How to pronounce cortisone (audio)
: a glucocorticoid C21H28O5 that is produced naturally in small amounts by the adrenal cortex and is administered in the form of its synthetic acetate C23H30O6 especially as replacement therapy for deficient adrenocortical secretion and as an anti-inflammatory agent (as for rheumatoid arthritis) compare 11-dehydrocorticosterone

More from Merriam-Webster on cortisone

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cortisone

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