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 That’s because long-term corticosteroid use can have potential side effects like bone loss and skin thinning. Kayla Hui, Verywell Health, 23 Feb. 2024 Common treatments include antihistamine pills that block histamine, a chemical the immune system releases that can cause a variety of symptoms like itching, and nasal corticosteroids, which are sprays that can help with stuffiness. Katia Hetter, CNN, 27 Mar. 2024 Insufficient nutrition, low levels of physical activity, smoking, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, and long-term use of certain drugs such as corticosteroids can all put a person at risk of weak, brittle bones. Sarah Garone, Health, 23 Mar. 2024 Also suggested are nasal corticosteroids like Nasacort, Flonase and Zicam. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2024 Try using an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream, bathing in Epsom salts, or using an anti-itch lotion. Daniel More, Verywell Health, 8 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, corticosteroids and systemic antihistamines can be used to treat respiratory symptoms. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 There’s currently no cure for alopecia, but interventions like corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation around hair follicles in an effort to promote hair growth, can reduce symptoms for some people with the condition, per the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. Ayana Underwood, SELF, 30 Jan. 2024 When Is Carpal Tunnel Bad Enough for Surgery? Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is typically considered when symptoms frequently recur and worsen, despite trying other treatments like splints or corticosteroid injections. Benjamin Plackett, Discover Magazine, 27 Jan. 2024

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 24 Apr. 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

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