Definition of "hydrocortisone" [hydrocortisone]

• A steroid hormone, C21H30O5, produced by the adrenal cortex, that regulates carbohydrate metabolism and maintains blood pressure. Also called cortisol. (noun)
• A preparation of this hormone obtained from natural sources or produced synthetically and used to treat inflammatory conditions and adrenal failure. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "I'm sitting here marinating in hydrocortisone, trying to be mellow, and waiting for the rest of the family crazy train to arrive, so hurrah."
• "Another common ingredient is hydrocortisone, which is a steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and a powerful hemroids home remedy."
• "Over-the-counter steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone, are low in potency and may not be effective in moderate to severe cases."