steroid

[ steer-oid, ster- ]
/ ˈstɪər ɔɪd, ˈstɛr- /
Biochemistry

noun

any of a large group of fat-soluble organic compounds, as the sterols, bile acids, and sex hormones, most of which have specific physiological action.
anabolic steroid.

adjective

Also ste·roi·dal [sti-roid-l, ste-] /stɪˈrɔɪd l, stɛ-/. pertaining to or characteristic of a steroid.

Idioms for steroid

    on steroids, Slang. much larger, stronger, or more extreme than is normal or expected: Yosemite is nature on steroids. He's so lovable, he's like Santa Claus on steroids.

Origin of steroid

First recorded in 1925–30; ster(ol) + -oid

Words nearby steroid

sternward, sternwards, sternway, sternwheel, sternwheeler, steroid, steroid acne, steroid hormone, steroid ulcer, steroidogenesis, sterol

Example sentences from the Web for steroid

British Dictionary definitions for steroid

steroid
/ (ˈstɪərɔɪd, ˈstɛr-) /

noun

biochem any of a large group of fat-soluble organic compounds containing a characteristic chemical ring system. The majority, including the sterols, bile acids, many hormones, and the D vitamins, have important physiological action

Derived forms of steroid

steroidal, adjective

Word Origin for steroid

C20: from sterol + -oid

Medical definitions for steroid

steroid
[ stĕr′oid′, stîr′- ]

n.

Any of numerous naturally occurring or synthetic fat-soluble organic compounds having as a basis 17 carbon atoms arranged in four rings and including the sterols and bile acids, adrenocortical and sex hormones, certain natural drugs such as digitalis compounds, and the precursors of certain vitamins. steroid hormone

adj.

Relating to or characteristic of steroids or steroid hormones.

Scientific definitions for steroid

steroid
[ stĕr′oid′ ]

Any of a large class of organic compounds having as a basis 17 carbon atoms arranged in four rings fused together. Steroids include many biologically important compounds, including cholesterol and other sterols, the sex hormones (such as testosterone and estrogen), bile acids, adrenal hormones, plant alkaloids, and certain forms of vitamins.
Any of various hormones having the structure of a steroid that are made synthetically, especially for use in medicine.
An anabolic steroid.

Other words from steroid

steroidal adjective

Cultural definitions for steroid

steroid

A group of molecules that includes cholesterol. The sex hormones estrogen and testosterone are built from steroids, as are many modern anti-inflammatory drugs.

notes for steroid

Steroids are often used illegally to increase the performance of competitive athletes of almost all age groups. They are banned in many athletic competitions, such as the Olympic Games.