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

Oral corticosteroids: If no other medicine is working to manage symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe oral corticosteroids to control your asthma symptoms. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 10 Jan. 2025

Corticosteroids Healthcare providers may prescribe corticosteroid injections or pills to reduce inflammation and manage pain.11 Corticosteroid injections may be helpful for early, painful lesions that aren't infected. —Ashley Wong, Health, 5 Jan. 2025

Spondylolisthesis symptoms can improve with rest, over-the-counter pain medications, such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen, corticosteroids, a prescription anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy and wearing a back brace to stabilize your spine, according to Cleveland Clinic. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024

Your healthcare provider may prescribe a topical corticosteroid medication that reduces scales, redness, swelling, and itchiness. —Laura Schober, Health, 4 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

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