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

• steroidal adjective

Etymology

Origin of steroid

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

Example Sentences

She tried lots of medication, including steroids which are not advised as a long-term option.

From BBC

At the hospital, the toddler was treated with strong steroid nebulisation and was on oxygen support for two days.

From BBC

He wrote that he doesn’t take steroids, so he planned to play in the game then go straight into surgery.

From Los Angeles Times

Shelby Houlihan had argued at the time that something in the meat she consumed had led her to test positive for a steroid called nandrolone.

From The Wall Street Journal

She was treated in hospital with steroids to reduce the swelling, but said "unfortunately the damage was done".

From BBC