1. A class of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands that regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress reactions; includes cortisol and synthetic variants used in medicine.
Usage: Medical/scientific term; Usually used in plural form; Also called corticosteroids in broader contexts

Examples

• Glucocorticoids help the body respond to stress by increasing blood sugar and suppressing inflammation.
• The doctor prescribed glucocorticoids to reduce the patient's severe allergic reaction.
• Glucocorticoids are essential hormones that regulate the body's metabolism and immune function.
• Long-term use of synthetic glucocorticoids can have significant side effects.
• Cortisol is the most important glucocorticoid produced naturally by the human body.
• Athletes are sometimes tested for banned synthetic glucocorticoids in competition.