steroid

[steer-oid, ster-]

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.

adjective

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

steroid

/ 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

steroid

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.

steroid

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.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of steroid¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of steroid¹

C20: from _sterol + _-oid

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

World tennis No. 1 Jannik Sinner, meanwhile, recently received a three-month ban after blaming two positive tests for an anabolic steroid on a spray used by his physical therapist.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

It put all that stuff on steroids and it forced me to deal with it.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on BBC

Stevenson likened it to a doctor giving a kid steroids so he could be better at football.

Read more on Salon

The treatment was considered safe, although some patients did develop inflammation from the virus that caused headaches and confusion that either resolved or needed steroid treatment.

Read more on BBC