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

The 32-year-old decided to stop using steroid creams five years ago and says that since then her skin has mainly healed, but she still struggles mentally.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

"My GP at university kept telling me it was just eczema – and kept prescribing me more steroid cream. Something didn't feel right."

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

These rare steroid molecules appeared to originate from ancient sea sponges.

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026

Pettitte might have posted a 3.85 ERA in his career, but he pitched through the heart of the steroid era and had plenty of signature moments in October with baseball’s premier franchise.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 17, 2026

The severity of shock is reflected in 17-hydroxycortico- steroid levels comparable to those in schizophrenic patients in incipient psychosis, which exceed levels in other stressful situations.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover