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Definition of hydrocortisone

hydrocortisone

/ˌhaɪdrəʊˈkɔːrtɪzoʊn/
hy · dro · cor · ti · sone
Plural:hydrocortisones
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hydrocortisone Lexical Profile

hydrocortisone Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex (biochemically identical to cortisol), or its synthetic equivalent used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant agent to treat skin irritations, allergies, and adrenal insufficiency.

Example

"The dermatologist recommended a mild over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to relieve the itching caused by poison ivy."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hydrocortisone

Word Nuance & Usage

In pharmacology and medicine, 'hydrocortisone' is the standard name for the administered medication, whereas 'cortisol' refers to the identical hormone when produced naturally within the body.

• Nearby Words

hydrilla
hydro
hydrochloric
hydrocortisone
hydroelectric
hydroelectricity
hydrofoil

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-20th century from the chemical prefix 'hydro-' (indicating an added hydrogen atom) and 'cortisone', which itself derives from Latin 'cortex' (meaning 'bark' or 'outer layer'), in reference to the adrenal cortex.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hydrocortisone. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hydrocortisone
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