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corticosteroid

[kawr-tuh-koh-ster-oid, -steer-]
noun Biochemistry.
  1. any of a class of steroids, as aldosterone, hydrocortisone, or cortisone, occurring in nature, especially as a product of the adrenal cortex, or synthesized.
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Origin of corticosteroid

First recorded in 1940–45; cortico- + steroid
Also called cor·ti·coid [kawr-tuh-koid] /ˈkɔr təˌkɔɪd/.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for corticosteroid

corticosteroid

corticoid

noun
  1. any steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that affects carbohydrate, protein, and electrolyte metabolism, gonad function, and immune response
  2. any similar synthetic substance, used in treating inflammatory and allergic diseases
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See also glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for corticosteroid

n.

by 1945, from cortico-, word-forming element from comb. form of Latin cortex "bark of a tree" (see cortex), applied since c.1890 to various surface structures of plants, animals, or organs + steroid. So called because they are produced in the adrenal cortex. Related: Corticosterone.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
corticosteroid in Medicine

corticosteroid

(kôr′tĭ-kō-stîr′oid′, -stĕr′-)
n.
  1. Any of the steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex or their synthetic equivalents.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
corticosteroid in Science

corticosteroid

[kôr′tĭ-kō-stîr′oid′, -stĕr′-]
  1. Any of the steroid hormones, such as cortisol or aldosterone, produced by the cortex of the adrenal gland. Corticosteroids are also produced synthetically for medicinal purposes.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.