glucocorticoid
noun
glu·co·cor·ti·coid
| \ ˌglü-kō-ˈkȯr-ti-ˌkȯid
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Definition of glucocorticoid
: any of a group of corticosteroids (such as cortisol) that are involved especially in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, that are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive, and that are used widely in medicine (as to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis) — compare mineralocorticoid
Examples of glucocorticoid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Previous studies have shown that cold temperatures cause glucocorticoids to increase in a number of primates—among them Japanese macaques. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Chilling Out in Hot Springs May Help Japan’s Snow Monkeys Reduce Stress," 5 Apr. 2018 Working on the assumption that the monkeys use hot springs to keep warm, the Kyoto University team tested the animals’ feces for levels of glucocorticoids, a metabolite that is linked to biological stress, explains Rachael Rettner of Live Science. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Chilling Out in Hot Springs May Help Japan’s Snow Monkeys Reduce Stress," 5 Apr. 2018 For seven years, Gabe has taken a daily dose of deflazacort — a common glucocorticoid prescribed around the world for conditions like asthma, juvenile chronic arthritis and ulcerative colitis. — Lily O’neill, kansascity.com, "Cross-country trip calls attention to huge price spike for muscular dystrophy drug," 21 June 2017 And, Dr. Titze said, high glucocorticoid levels are linked to such conditions as osteoporosis, muscle loss, Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic problems. — Gina Kolata, New York Times, "Why Everything We Know About Salt May Be Wrong," 8 May 2017 WADA announced the UCLA lab can continue its regular anti-doping work, but must obtain a second opinion before reporting any positive findings with four anabolic steroids and glucocorticoids. — David Wharton, latimes.com, "U.S. Olympic leaders react to suspension of UCLA anti-doping lab," 20 June 2017 Stress increases glucocorticoid levels in the blood, which help keep overzealous immune responses in check and quell inflammation. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Kids who weather bitter divorce are 3 times more vulnerable to colds as adults," 6 June 2017 Some of the hormones spotted in the mice after increased salt intake, glucocorticoids, are thought to affect hunger and are associated with diabetes and obesity. — Erin Blakemore, Smithsonian, "Salty Food Might Make You Drink Less, Not More," 20 Apr. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'glucocorticoid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for glucocorticoid
glucocorticoid
noun
glu·co·cor·ti·coid
| \ -ˈkȯrt-i-ˌkȯid
\
\
Medical Definition of glucocorticoid
: any of a group of corticosteroids (as cortisol or dexamethasone) that are involved especially in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, that tend to increase liver glycogen and blood sugar by increasing gluconeogenesis, that are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive, and that are used widely in medicine (as in the alleviation of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis) — compare mineralocorticoid