steroid

[ steer-oid, ster- ]

noun

1. any of a large group of fat-soluble organic compounds, as the sterols, bile acids, and sex hormones, most of which have specific physiological action.
2. anabolic steroid.

adjective

1. Also ste·roi·dal [] pertaining to or characteristic of a steroid.

steroid

/ ˈstɛr-; ˈstɪərɔɪd /

noun

1. biochem any of a large group of fat-soluble organic compounds containing a characteristic chemical ring system. The majority, including the sterols, bile acids, many hormones, and the D vitamins, have important physiological action

steroid

/ stĕr′oid′ /

1. Any of a large class of organic compounds having as a basis 17 carbon atoms arranged in four rings fused together. Steroids include many biologically important compounds, including cholesterol and other sterols, the sex hormones (such as testosterone and estrogen), bile acids, adrenal hormones, plant alkaloids, and certain forms of vitamins.
2. Any of various hormones having the structure of a steroid that are made synthetically, especially for use in medicine.
3. An anabolic steroid.

steroid

1. A group of molecules that includes cholesterol . The sex hormones estrogen and testosterone are built from steroids, as are many modern anti-inflammatory drugs.

Notes

Steroids are often used illegally to increase the performance of competitive athletes of almost all age groups. They are banned in many athletic competitions, such as the Olympic Games .

Derived Forms

• steˈroidal, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of steroid¹

First recorded in 1925–30; ster(ol) + -oid

Word History and Origins

Origin of steroid¹

C20: from sterol + -oid

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on steroids, Slang. much larger, stronger, or more extreme than is normal or expected:

   Yosemite is nature on steroids. He's so lovable, he's like Santa Claus on steroids.

Example Sentences

In 2010, a leaked company memo seemed to incriminate Ms. McMahon for tipping off a doctor about a federal investigation into his alleged distribution of steroids to wrestlers.

From Salon

When asked how messy the confirmation process could become, incoming Senate majority leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said the hearings could be “on steroids”.

From BBC

By that point, new treatments had been discovered, including the cheap steroid dexamethasone, and the first Covid vaccines were starting to be rolled out in small numbers.

From BBC

She and Grossman predicted that the impact will also manifest as it has with the rollback in abortion rights but "on steroids."

From Salon

"They're put on a steroid which completely changes their personality and the way that they look and I don't think we were quite prepared for all that."

From BBC