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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The corticosteroids can significantly reduce inflammation around an irritated nerve that is causing back and leg pain. Diane Omdahl, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 Treatment Is a Possible Way to Avoid or Delay Knee Replacement While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, people can ease symptoms with medications, including analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen), and corticosteroids. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics, antivirals, or corticosteroids to clear the infection and manage symptoms.6 How Long Does COVID Affect the Ears? Mark Gurarie, Health, 26 Apr. 2025 Depending on the severity of your hormonal acne, treatment options to manage breakouts include lifestyle changes—like diet adjustments or using different skin care products—to in-office procedures like laser treatments or corticosteroid injections. Susan Bard, Verywell Health, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for corticosteroid

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of corticosteroid was in 1944

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Cite this Entry

“Corticosteroid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corticosteroid. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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

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