hydrocortisone

(hīˌdrə-kôrˈtĭ-sōnˌ, -zōnˌ)

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