corticosteroid

noun

cor·​ti·​co·​ste·​roid

ˌkȯr-ti-kō-ˈster-ˌȯid,

-ˈstir- 

: 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

The treatment involves injection of a solution containing corticosteroids and/or anesthetic into the epidural space (inside the vertebral canal but outside the spinal cord). —Diane Omdahl, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

Steroid Shots Getting injections of corticosteroids into the scalp can help hair regrow. —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for corticosteroid

• adenoid
• alkaloid
• amoeboid
• amyloid
• aneroid
• anthropoid
• arachnoid
• asteroid
• benzenoid
• carcinoid
• celluloid
• coronoid

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