noun
cortisone
KOR-tih-zohn/ˈkɔːrtɪzəʊn/
A steroid hormone used as a medicine to reduce inflammation.
The doctor gives her a cortisone shot to reduce joint inflammation.
Etymology
The shortened chemical name ultimately refers to cortex, meaning bark or outer covering, because the hormone was obtained from the adrenal glands' outer layer. The hormone is manufactured synthetically to reduce inflammation.
In context
cortisone, an anti-inflammatory medication, or dexamethasone, a steroid that’s been used to treat arthritis, severe allergies
More examples
- Her doctor discusses the possible side effects of cortisone.
- The pharmacist explains how to take the prescribed cortisone tablets.
- He asks whether cortisone could help his swollen shoulder.
Similar words
- corticosteroid
- A broader term covering adrenal steroid hormones and related medicines.
- steroid
- A broader chemical category that includes hormones besides cortisone.