Definition of corticosteroid
: any of various steroid hormones (such as cortisol, cortisone, or aldosterone) that are produced by the adrenal cortex (see cortex 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 ◆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.
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Recent Examples of corticosteroid from the Web
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Earlier this year, it was discovered at a Sky training facility that significant amounts of corticosteroids and testosterone patches were in the possession of the team doctor, who claimed the stuff was sent to him by mistake.
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More severe cases may require corticosteroids, such as prednisone.
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The differences occurred in these basic categories: asthma medications; allergy and anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids; and pseudoephedrine.
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Keep in mind that certain medications and/or chronic conditions can cause osteoporosis, including the regular or prolonged use of corticosteroids.
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They were randomly assigned to get an injection in their knee joint of a corticosteroid (triamcinolone) or a placebo (saline) every three months.
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Doctors often prescribe an oral corticosteroid, like prednisone, along with an antihistamine to treat mild itchy rashes.
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The dangers of long-term use of corticosteroids like prednisone and cortisone are well known, but a new study suggests that even short-term use can have serious side effects.
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Doctors prescribed immuno-suppressive drugs and corticosteroids to stop her immune system from attacking itself.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'corticosteroid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of corticosteroid
1944
Medical Dictionary
corticosteroid
playMedical Definition of corticosteroid
: 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
Learn More about corticosteroid
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about corticosteroid
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