anabolic steroid

noun

: any of a group of usually synthetic hormones that are derivatives of testosterone, are used medically especially to promote tissue growth, and are sometimes abused by athletes to increase the size and strength of their muscles and improve endurance

Examples of anabolic steroid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are drugs containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit, ketamine, anabolic steroids and testosterone. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024

Acne is a common side effect of anabolic steroids, reported in 43% of people using it for bodybuilding.7 Side Effects When used appropriately, creatine supplements are safe and cause few side effects. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 28 Oct. 2024

This category includes ketamine, lower doses of opioid analgesics and anabolic steroids, for instance. —Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 1 Nov. 2024

Steroid use and misuse can cause fluctuations in hormones—for example, higher testosterone due to anabolic steroids or Addison's disease (when the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones like cortisol and aldosterone) due to glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisone). —Wendy Wisner, Health, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

anabolic steroid

noun

: any of several man-made hormones that are used in medicine to help tissue grow, that are sometimes abused by athletes to increase muscle size and strength, and that may have harmful effects (as stunted growth in teenagers)

Medical Definition

anabolic steroid

noun

: any of a group of usually synthetic hormones that are derivatives of testosterone, are used medically especially to promote tissue growth, and are sometimes abused by athletes to increase the size and strength of their muscles and improve endurance