What does cortisone mean?
Cortisone is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal glands that sit atop the kidneys. It plays a role in regulating metabolism, the immune response, and the body's reaction to stress. Cortisone first drew worldwide attention in the late 1940s, when researchers demonstrated that it could dramatically relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis — work recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1950. Today the word most commonly refers to synthetic versions of the hormone used in medicine: cortisone injections ease joint pain and inflammation, while creams and ointments containing cortisone derivatives treat rashes, eczema, and allergic reactions. In casual usage people may say 'a shot of cortisone' for any steroid injection, though pharmacologically distinct compounds such as prednisone or hydrocortisone are frequently what is actually administered.
nounA glucocorticoid hormone produced naturally by the adrenal cortex, also made synthetically and used as an anti-inflammatory drug to treat conditions such as arthritis, allergies, and skin disorders.
- A glucocorticoid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex.
- A synthetic preparation of this hormone used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory agent.
"The doctor prescribed a course of cortisone injections to ease the inflammation in her arthritic knee."
"After years of severe eczema, she finally found relief with a topical cortisone treatment."
"The body releases cortisone in response to stress, helping to regulate metabolism and immune function."
Rarely pluralized since it refers to a specific substance; the plural appears mainly in scientific writing referring to different preparations or analogues.
"Several synthetic cortisones have been developed to reduce side effects."
Cortisone was so revolutionary when introduced in 1949 that it earned a Nobel Prize within a year — one of the fastest honors in medical history.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cortisone
The name 'cortisone' derives from 'cortex', Latin for 'bark' or 'outer layer', referring to the adrenal cortex from which the hormone is isolated. The suffix '-one' denotes a ketone in chemical nomenclature. The term was coined in the mid-20th century following the isolation of the compound, alongside related names such as cortisol.
How cortisone is actually used
Cortisone is a technical term common in medical contexts but widely understood by laypeople, especially in phrases like 'cortisone shot'. In everyday speech it is sometimes applied imprecisely to any corticosteroid medication.
Easily confused with cortisone
Cortisol is the active hormone itself, while cortisone is its inactive precursor that the body converts into cortisol; the drug cortisone is often used loosely to refer to related steroid medications.
Corticosteroid is a broader class of steroid hormones including cortisone, whereas cortisone names one specific compound within that class.