steroid

[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.
adjective
3.
Also, steroidal
[sti-roid-l, ste-] /stɪˈrɔɪd l, stɛ-/ (Show IPA). pertaining to or characteristic of a steroid.
Idioms
4.
on steroids, Slang. 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.
Origin
1925-30; ster(ol) + -oid
Examples from the web for steroid
  • One of them, a steroid with the scent of sandalwood, seems to calm the mildly anxious.
  • He has put extra judiciary killings on steroid, even violating the sovereignty of unwilling nations.
  • For several months, she also received epidural steroid injections, but her discomfort persisted.
  • They have no oversight into what actually happens in the ring, and they are encouraging steroid use.
  • Treatment includes suppression of immune activity with steroid hormones.
  • steroid use is fraught with side effects, however, so the hunt for alternatives has been relentless.
  • Giving prednisone, an immune-system-suppressing steroid, is a more long-term strategy.
  • But a new study finds that some of the performance benefits of steroid use may persist years after an athlete stops doping.
  • Examples are steroid hormones, thyroid hormones and melatonin.
  • If it's an allergic reaction, a vet can also administer a steroid shot for immediate relief.
British Dictionary definitions for steroid

steroid

/ˈstɪərɔɪd; ˈstɛr-/
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
Derived Forms
steroidal, adjective
Word Origin
C20: from sterol + -oid
Word Origin and History for steroid
n.

naturally occuring substance based on the carbon skeleton of sterol molecules, 1936, from sterol (1913; abstracted from cholesterol) + -oid. Related: Steroids.

steroid in Medicine

steroid ster·oid (stěr'oid', stēr'-)
n.
Any of numerous naturally occurring or synthetic fat-soluble organic compounds having as a basis 17 carbon atoms arranged in four rings and including the sterols and bile acids, adrenocortical and sex hormones, certain natural drugs such as digitalis compounds, and the precursors of certain vitamins. Also called steroid hormone. adj. ste·roid·al (stĭ-roid', stě-)
Relating to or characteristic of steroids or steroid hormones.

ster'oid' or ste·roid'al (stĭ-roid'l, stě-) adj.
steroid in Science
steroid
  (stěr'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.


steroidal adjective
steroid in Culture

steroid definition


A group of molecules that includes cholesterol. The sex hormones estrogen and testosterone are built from steroids, as are many modern anti-inflammatory drugs.

Note: 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.