hy·dro·cor·ti·sone / ˌhīdrəˈkôrtiˌzōn/ • n. Biochem. a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and used medicinally to treat inflammation resulting from eczema and rheumatism.

hydrocortisone (hy-droh-kor-tiz-ohn) n. a pharmaceutical preparation of the steroid hormone cortisol. Hydrocortisone is used to treat adrenal failure (Addison's disease), shock, and inflammatory, allergic, and rheumatic conditions (including rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, and eczema). It may be given by mouth, by intramuscular, intravenous, or intra-articular injection, or in the form of a cream, ointment, or eye or ear drops.

hydrocortisone See cortisol.