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

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

Most dermatologists will commonly treat keloids by injecting the area with corticosteroid medication like Kenalog, says Dr. Murphy-Rose. —Kayla Greaves, Essence, 26 Sep. 2024

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