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Hydrocortisone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hydrocortisone

[haɪ.drəˈkɔːr.tɪ.soʊn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical treatment

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland that plays a crucial role in controlling inflammation and immune responses in the body. It is often used as a medication to treat conditions such as allergies, skin problems, and autoimmune diseases.

Synonyms

anti-inflammatory, corticosteroid, steroid.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor prescribed hydrocortisone cream for the rash.
  • Hydrocortisone injections can relieve severe joint pain.
  • She uses hydrocortisone to manage her eczema.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Uses

  • Commonly used to treat conditions like allergies, arthritis, skin problems, and asthma.
  • It can come in the form of creams, pills, or injections, depending on what it's used for.

Scientific Impact

  • The discovery of this medication significantly changed how inflammation and autoimmune disorders are treated.
  • Research has shown its effectiveness in preventing organ rejection after transplants.

Cultural References

  • Hydrocortisone is often mentioned in health-related articles and advertisements for its soothing properties.
  • Some popular skincare products highlight the inclusion of this compound for its effectiveness in treating eczema.

Psychological Effects

  • Research indicates that prolonged use can affect mood and stress levels, sometimes leading to 'steroid-induced psychosis.'
  • Short-term use generally helps relieve anxiety related to pain or inflammation.

Origin of 'hydrocortisone'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from 'hydro' meaning water, and 'cortisone' which refers to a natural steroid produced by the adrenal glands.
  • It was first synthesized in the 1940s from a compound found in the adrenal cortex.

The term 'hydrocortisone' is derived from its chemical structure and origins. The prefix 'hydro-' refers to the presence of a hydroxyl group, while 'cortisone' indicates that it is a derivative of cortisone, which is a natural steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. Cortisone itself was discovered in the late 1940s, leading to the synthesis of hydrocortisone in the early 1950s. The invention of hydrocortisone was a significant advancement in medicine, allowing for targeted therapies to manage inflammation and immune responses. It became widely used in the treatment of various conditions, marking a breakthrough in the field of pharmacology, particularly in the fields of dermatology and endocrinology.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,031, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.