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 steroids
  • Fireflies produce defensive steroids in their bodies that make them unpalatable to predators.
  • The entire concept is a college prototype on steroids.
  • It's not a new idea, but it is the old idea on steroids.
  • Safety is the key term here, which puts anabolic-androgenic steroids out of the running.
  • They sounded as if they had ripped up their vocal cords by popping steroids.
  • We don't allow steroids even though in some ways they enhance physical performance.
  • Even amphetamines and steroids can only do so much with the meat.
  • We have a wealth of data concerning, for example, androgenic anabolic steroids.
  • No doubt your superhuman performances will bring whispers of steroids and human-growth hormone.
  • Sentences for steroid distribution were strengthened, and the public awareness of the dangers of steroids was raised.
British Dictionary definitions for steroids

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 steroids

steroid

n.

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

steroids 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.
steroids 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
steroids 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.