English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

cortisone

KAW-tih-zohn

Cortisone (noun) means a steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands, also produced synthetically as an anti-inflammatory drug. Example: “The doctor gave her a cortisone shot to bring down the swelling in her knee.”

noun
1
A steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands, also produced synthetically as an anti-inflammatory drug.
"The doctor gave her a cortisone shot to bring down the swelling in her knee."
"Long-term cortisone use can weaken bones if not carefully monitored."

How to use cortisone

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA hormone-based medicine used to reduce inflammation, swelling, and allergic reactions.

Common pairings
cortisone shot cortisone cream cortisone injection

Word forms

cortisones plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “cortisone” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The doctor gave her a _____ shot to bring down the swelling in her knee.

Etymology

A shortened form of "corticosterone," itself built from Latin cortex ("bark," referring to the adrenal cortex) plus Greek-derived chemistry terms.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for cortisone

See all rhymes for cortisone →

Frequently asked questions

What does “cortisone” mean?

The word “cortisone” means a steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands, also produced synthetically as an anti-inflammatory drug. In plain terms, a hormone-based medicine used to reduce inflammation, swelling, and allergic reactions.

How do you pronounce “cortisone”?

“Cortisone” is pronounced KAW-tih-zohn (/ˈkɔɹ.tɪˌsoʊn/ in IPA).

How do you use “cortisone” in a sentence?

Here is “cortisone” used in a sentence: “The doctor gave her a cortisone shot to bring down the swelling in her knee.”

What part of speech is “cortisone”?

“Cortisone” is a noun.

Where does the word “cortisone” come from?

The word “cortisone” comes from Latin. A shortened form of "corticosterone," itself built from Latin cortex ("bark," referring to the adrenal cortex) plus Greek-derived chemistry terms.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial