steroid

American  

[steer-oid, ster-] / ˈstɪər ɔɪd, ˈstɛr- /

noun

1. any of a large group of fat-soluble organic compounds, as the sterols, bile acids, and sex hormones, most of which have specific physiological action.

2. anabolic steroid.

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adjective

1. Also steroidal pertaining to or characteristic of a steroid.

idioms

1. on steroids, much larger, stronger, or more extreme than is normal or expected.

   Yosemite is nature on steroids. He's so lovable, he's like Santa Claus on steroids.

steroid British  

/ ˈstɛr-, ˈstɪərɔɪd /

noun

1. biochem any of a large group of fat-soluble organic compounds containing a characteristic chemical ring system. The majority, including the sterols, bile acids, many hormones, and the D vitamins, have important physiological action

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steroid Scientific  

/ stĕr′oid′ /

1. Any of a large class of organic compounds having as a basis 17 carbon atoms arranged in four rings fused together. Steroids include many biologically important compounds, including cholesterol and other sterols, the sex hormones (such as testosterone and estrogen), bile acids, adrenal hormones, plant alkaloids, and certain forms of vitamins.

2. Any of various hormones having the structure of a steroid that are made synthetically, especially for use in medicine.

3. An anabolic steroid.

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steroid Cultural  

1. A group of molecules that includes cholesterol. The sex hormones estrogen and testosterone are built from steroids, as are many modern anti-inflammatory drugs.

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Discover More

Steroids are often used illegally to increase the performance of competitive athletes of almost all age groups. They are banned in many athletic competitions, such as the Olympic Games.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• steroidal
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of steroid

First recorded in 1925–30; ster(ol) + -oid

Example Sentences

Soon I was using prescription shampoo, two topical serums, monthly steroid scalp injections, and a pricey red-light therapy cap that made me look like an alien.

From Slate • May 23, 2026

Despite common misconceptions online, creatine is not a steroid.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

The way dexamethasone - a cheap steroid drug already available - was deployed in the first few months of the pandemic provides the perfect example.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Bethany is among some patients who say they did not receive follow ups and were free to keep using steroid creams as their eczema worsened.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Jeffrey was on a new antinausea medication, and the doctors had lowered his steroid dose, so he was feeling well enough to play more actively.

From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick