corticosteroid

noun

cor·​ti·​co·​ste·​roid

ˌkȯr-ti-kō-ˈster-ˌȯid,

-ˈstir- 

: 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

The most common treatment is using corticosteroid cream to calm inflammation and redness. —Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 27 Mar. 2025

In these more painful situations, a topical corticosteroid can be rubbed onto the canker to soothe the area. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 26 Feb. 2025

Dexamethasone Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid used to treat various inflammatory conditions. —Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025

The most common prescription treatment for dermatitis is a topical corticosteroid, says Boull. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for corticosteroid

• adenoid
• alkaloid
• amoeboid
• amyloid
• aneroid
• anthropoid
• arachnoid
• asteroid
• benzenoid
• carcinoid
• celluloid
• coronoid

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