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

Doctors may prescribe antihistamines, decongestants, or corticosteroids to relieve respiratory symptoms. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025

Inhaled corticosteroids may be a long-term treatment for allergic bronchitis. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 12 Apr. 2025

Those suffering from more persistent and daily symptoms can benefit from nasal corticosteroid sprays like fluticasone propionate (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex). —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025

Typically, medications like antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids can alleviate symptoms for those with hay fever, Bassett explained. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 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