corticosteroid

noun

cor·​ti·​co·​ste·​roid
ˌkȯr-ti-kō-ˈster-ˌȯid,
-ˈstir- How to pronounce corticosteroid (audio)
: 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 Try using an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream, bathing in Epsom salts, or using an anti-itch lotion. Daniel More, Verywell Health, 8 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, corticosteroids and systemic antihistamines can be used to treat respiratory symptoms. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 There’s currently no cure for alopecia, but interventions like corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation around hair follicles in an effort to promote hair growth, can reduce symptoms for some people with the condition, per the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. Ayana Underwood, SELF, 30 Jan. 2024 When Is Carpal Tunnel Bad Enough for Surgery? Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is typically considered when symptoms frequently recur and worsen, despite trying other treatments like splints or corticosteroid injections. Benjamin Plackett, Discover Magazine, 27 Jan. 2024 Other acne treatments might include corticosteroid injections for severe acne breakouts and laser or light therapy. Bella Gerard, Health, 26 Jan. 2024 Oral antihistamines and topical corticosteroids usually help reduce itching. Maggie O'Neill, Health, 1 Feb. 2024 The most common prescriptions were for ketoconazole, nystatin, and clotrimazole-betamethasone dipropionate, a combination medicine containing an antifungal and a corticosteroid. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 16 Jan. 2024 In hindsight, doctors now see that her symptoms matched the progression of a foodborne parasite, and that the corticosteroid may have actually allowed the roundworm to move through her central nervous system and ultimately into her brain, per Ars Technica. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'corticosteroid.' 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

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of corticosteroid was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near corticosteroid

Cite this Entry

“Corticosteroid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corticosteroid. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

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