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 Basically, a derm will inject a corticosteroid directly into your cyst, which should flatten it within 24–48 hours, Dr. Turegano explains. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 Sep. 2024 Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow (stem cell) transplant, and corticosteroids may also cause a low white blood cell count. Steffini Stalos, Health, 6 Sep. 2024 In the case of serious side effects, particularly the immune system attacking healthy cells, the checkpoint inhibitor is stopped and the patient is given corticosteroids, says Dr. Toni Choueiri, director of the Lank Center for Genitourinary Cancer at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Linda Carroll, TIME, 5 Sep. 2024 In 2021, his colt Medina Spirit won the Derby but subsequently was disqualified after testing positive for betamethasone, a potent corticosteroid used to reduce pain and inflammation. Melissa Hoppert, New York Times, 2 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for corticosteroid 

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 6 Oct. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on corticosteroid

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