/kawr"teuh zohn', -sohn'/ , n.
1. Biochem. a steroid hormone of the adrenal cortex, C 21 H 28 O 5 , active in carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
2. Pharm. a commercial form of this compound, obtained by extraction from the adrenal glands of certain domesticated animals or produced synthetically, used chiefly in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatic fever, certain allergies, and other systemic conditions.
[ 1949; shortening of cortico-sterone; see STEROL, -ONE ]