: 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
Hydrocortisone cream: These creams contain a low dose of corticosteroids, which can help reduce inflammation and itching.
—
Sarah Hudgens, Health, 19 June 2025
Medication: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, antidepressants, and diabetes drugs, can affect your weight.
—Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
For decades, the only option available to patients suffering from debilitating autoimmune diseases, which attack the body’s own tissues, has been to suppress the immune system with corticosteroids or anti-cytokine antibodies.
—Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
By helping to remove that scaling, salicylic acid shampoo allows other medicated treatments, like corticosteroids or coal tar, to penetrate the scalp and work more effectively.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for corticosteroid
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Sarah Hudgens, Health, 19 June 2025
Medication: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, antidepressants, and diabetes drugs, can affect your weight.
—Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
For decades, the only option available to patients suffering from debilitating autoimmune diseases, which attack the body’s own tissues, has been to suppress the immune system with corticosteroids or anti-cytokine antibodies.
—Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
By helping to remove that scaling, salicylic acid shampoo allows other medicated treatments, like corticosteroids or coal tar, to penetrate the scalp and work more effectively.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for corticosteroid
Cite this Entry
“Corticosteroid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corticosteroid. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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