corticosteroid

noun

cor·​ti·​co·​ste·​roid
ˌkȯr-ti-kō-ˈster-ˌȯid,
-ˈstir- How to pronounce corticosteroid (audio)
: any of various steroid hormones (such as cortisol, cortisone, or aldosterone) that are produced by the adrenal cortex (see cortex sense 1(a)1) from cholesterol
also : any of various synthetic derivatives (such as prednisone or dexamethasone) of these steroid hormones that are used as drugs

Note: Corticosteroids are classified according to their physiological activity as glucocorticoids, which chiefly regulate carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, and mineralocorticoids, which chiefly regulate electrolyte and fluid balance in the body. Androgens (such as androstenedione) are also produced by the adrenal cortex and are sometimes classified as corticosteroids.

Examples of corticosteroid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Corticosteroids Grapefruit can raise the levels of certain oral corticosteroids (steroids) in the body. Ross Phan, Pharmd, Bcacp, Bcgp, Bcps, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024 Your healthcare provider may recommend: Prescription medications: Prescription-strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids may be necessary for moderate to severe hip pain. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 31 Oct. 2024 Steroid Injections Steroid injections, also known as corticosteroid injections, are anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat various conditions. Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2024 Modeling body acceptance One of the most difficult aspects of IBD is accepting the kind of physical changes that come with treatment—for example, corticosteroids are commonly used to control inflammation but can result in a rounded face that might make people taking them feel self-conscious. Elizabeth Millard, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for corticosteroid 

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of corticosteroid was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near corticosteroid

Cite this Entry

“Corticosteroid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corticosteroid. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

corticosteroid

noun
cor·​ti·​co·​ste·​roid
ˌkȯrt-i-kō-ˈsti(ə)r-ˌȯid also -ˈste(ə)r-
: any of various adrenal-cortex steroids (as corticosterone, cortisone, and aldosterone) that are divided on the basis of their major biological activity into glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids

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