anabolic steroid

American  

noun

1. a synthetic derivative of testosterone, sometimes used by athletes to help increase weight and strength.

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anabolic steroid British  

noun

1. any of a group of synthetic steroid hormones (androgens) used to stimulate muscle and bone growth for therapeutic or athletic purposes

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anabolic steroid Scientific  

/ ăn′ə-bŏl′ĭk /

1. A group of synthetic hormones that promote the storage of protein and the growth of tissue, sometimes used by athletes to increase muscle size and strength.

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Etymology

Origin of anabolic steroid

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Nandrolone is an anabolic steroid used to treat anemia and osteoporosis - a disease from which bones become fragile.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2024

Shelby Houlihan, the American record-holder in the 1,500, was suspended for four years last month after testing positive for nandrolone, an anabolic steroid.

From New York Times • Jul. 6, 2021

Shelby Houlihan, the American record-holder in the 1,500 meters, was suspended for four years last month after testing positive for nandrolone, an anabolic steroid.

From New York Times • Jul. 2, 2021

Usain Bolt believes anti-doping officials have sent a “bad message to the sport” after the US sprinter Tyson Gay received only a one-year ban following a positive test for an anabolic steroid.

From The Guardian • Jul. 22, 2014

Photograph: Hugh Routledge/Rex Features Encke will retain his status as a Classic winner despite Monday's revelation that he returned a positive test for an anabolic steroid this spring.

From The Guardian • May 21, 2013