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

Designed so that the needle is hidden until injection — a process that is prompted by the push of a button — the ClearPen is reusable and can be loaded with single-use doses of corticosteroids. —Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025

Options may include topical corticosteroids or nonsteroidal immunomodulators, which are often used on sensitive areas or for long-term control. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025

Treatments include long-lasting antihistamines, anti-itch creams, and topical or oral corticosteroids. —Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 1 Oct. 2025

Treatment is given based on symptoms and corticosteroids is the first line of treatment. —Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 28 Sep. 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