steroid hormone

noun

plural steroid hormones
: any of numerous hormones (such as estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol) that are produced in the body from cholesterol especially in the adrenal glands, testes, and ovaries and that have the chemical ring structure characteristic of steroids
also : any of various synthetic or semisynthetic steroids (such as nandrolone and prednisone) that mimic the physiological effect of natural steroid hormones

Examples of steroid hormone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Differential changes in steroid hormones before competition in bonobos and chimpanzees. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 1 July 2010 Modern elephant and ancient mammoth tusks are elongated upper incisor teeth, and only hold on to traces of testosterone and other steroid hormones. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 3 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'steroid hormone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of steroid hormone was in 1939

Dictionary Entries Near steroid hormone

Cite this Entry

“Steroid hormone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steroid%20hormone. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

steroid hormone

noun
: any of numerous hormones (such as estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and aldosterone) that are produced in the body from cholesterol especially in the adrenal glands, testes, and ovaries and that have the chemical ring structure characteristic of steroids
also : any of various synthetic or semisynthetic steroids (such as ethinyl estradiol, nandrolone, and prednisone) that mimic the physiological effect of natural steroid hormones
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