cortisone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “cortisone” mean?
A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, used medicinally to reduce inflammation and treat various autoimmune and allergic conditions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, used medicinally to reduce inflammation and treat various autoimmune and allergic conditions.
Often used synecdochically to refer to a class of corticosteroid drugs used to suppress immune responses and inflammation, with cortisone being the first such compound widely used.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of powerful treatment with potential side effects.
Frequency
Equally common in medical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “cortisone” in a Sentence
The doctor prescribed [cortisone] for the inflammation.She received a [cortisone] injection in her knee.The [cortisone] cream should be applied thinly.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cortisone” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cortisone-based treatment was effective.
American English
- She is on a cortisone regimen for her condition.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in medical, pharmacological, and biological research papers discussing endocrine function or anti-inflammatory therapies.
Everyday
Used when discussing treatment for conditions like arthritis, severe allergies, or skin rashes.
Technical
Precise term in medicine, endocrinology, and pharmacy for a specific glucocorticoid hormone and its pharmaceutical preparations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cortisone”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cortisone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cortisone”
- Pronouncing it as 'corti-zone' with a strong /z/ instead of /s/ or /z/ depending on region.
- Using 'cortisone' as a verb (e.g., 'They cortisoned my knee') is non-standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, cortisone is an inactive precursor that the body converts into the active hormone cortisol (hydrocortisone). In medicine, the terms are sometimes used loosely, but they are distinct compounds.
They deliver a high concentration of potent anti-inflammatory steroid directly to the site of inflammation, providing rapid localised suppression of the immune response.
In many countries, low-strength cortisone (hydrocortisone) creams (e.g., 1%) are available over the counter for minor skin irritations. Stronger formulations and injections require a prescription.
Potential side effects depend on dose and duration and can include weight gain, mood changes, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, osteoporosis, and thinning of the skin with topical use.
A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, used medicinally to reduce inflammation and treat various autoimmune and allergic conditions.
Cortisone is usually technical / medical in register.
Cortisone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔː.tɪ.zəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːr.tɪ.zoʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CORTex + SONE = CORTISONE, a hormone from the adrenal CORTEX, that 'soothes one's' inflammation.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FIREFIGHTER FOR INFLAMMATION (it 'puts out the fire' of swelling and immune overreaction).
Practice
Quiz
What is cortisone primarily used to treat?