Cortisol
/ˈkɔːr.tɪ.sɒl/noun
A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, often released in response to stress.
Did you know?Cortisol's name is derived from 'cortex', which means 'bark' in Latin, hinting at its origin from the outer layer of the adrenal glands, where it's produced during moments of stress or danger.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
cortex
“Meaning 'bark', referring to the outer layer of trees and the adrenal glands.”
Late 19th Century
English
corticosteroid
“Referring to any steroid hormone produced in the adrenal cortex.”
1936
English
cortisol
“First identified as a specific steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex.”
Modern English
English
cortisol
“Recognized as a key hormone in stress response and metabolism.”
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