cortisone

[ kawr-tuh-zohn, -sohn ]

noun
  1. Biochemistry. a steroid hormone of the adrenal cortex, C21H28O5, active in carbohydrate and protein metabolism.

  2. Pharmacology. a commercial form of this compound, obtained by extraction from the adrenal glands of certain domesticated animals or produced synthetically, used chiefly in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatic fever, certain allergies, and other systemic conditions.

Origin of cortisone

1
1949; shortening of cortico-sterone;see sterol, -one

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British Dictionary definitions for cortisone

cortisone

/ (ˈkɔːtɪˌsəʊn, -ˌzəʊn) /


noun
  1. a glucocorticoid hormone, the synthetic form of which has been used in treating rheumatoid arthritis, allergic and skin diseases, leukaemia, etc; 17-hydroxy-11-dehydrocorticosterone. Formula: C 21 H 28 O 5

Origin of cortisone

1
C20: shortened from corticosterone

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for cortisone

cortisone

[ kôrtĭ-sōn′ ]


  1. A steroid hormone that is easily formed from or converted to cortisol in the blood and is also produced synthetically for use as a pharmaceutical. The effects of cortisone on body tissues are similar to those of naturally or synthetically produced cortisol.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for cortisone

cortisone

[ (kawr-ti-zohn) ]


A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that is important in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. It is used in medicine to treat some forms of arthritis and to reduce inflammation.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.