nonsteroidal

adjective

non·​ste·​roi·​dal ˌnän-stə-ˈrȯi-dᵊl 

variants or less commonly nonsteroid

ˌnän-ˈster-ˌȯid,

-ˈstir- 

: of, relating to, or being a compound and especially a drug that is not a steroid

a nonsteroidal painkiller

nonsteroid noun

Examples of nonsteroidal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chief among these are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, Advil (ibuprofen), and Aleve (naproxen), which can damage the kidneys if overused.21 NSAIDs work by blocking hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins that trigger inflammation and pain in the body. —Kumkum S. Patel, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024

The main ingredients in these medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Dec. 2022

Over-the-counter antihistamines (for nasal congestion), cough medications, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for pain and discomfort) may ease some symptoms. —Amanda Gardner, Health, 28 Jan. 2023

For example, ibuprofen (Advil) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that’s effective for treating inflammatory back pain. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 23 Jan. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

nonsteroidal

adjective

non·​ste·​roi·​dal ˌnän-stə-ˈrȯid-ᵊl 

variants also nonsteroid

(ˈ)nän-ˈsti(ə)r-ˌȯid also -ˈste(ə)r-

: of, relating to, or being a compound and especially a drug that is not a steroid

a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug

see nsaid

nonsteroid noun