corticosteroid

[ kawr-tuh-koh-ster-oid, -steer- ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any of a class of steroids, as aldosterone, hydrocortisone, or cortisone, occurring in nature, especially as a product of the adrenal cortex, or synthesized.

corticosteroid

/ ˌkɔːtɪkəʊˈstɪərɔɪd /

noun

1. any steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that affects carbohydrate, protein, and electrolyte metabolism, gonad function, and immune response
2. any similar synthetic substance, used in treating inflammatory and allergic diseases

corticosteroid

/ kôr′tĭ-kō-stîr′oid′,-stĕr′- /

1. Any of the steroid hormones, such as cortisol or aldosterone, produced by the cortex of the adrenal gland. Corticosteroids are also produced synthetically for medicinal purposes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of corticosteroid¹

First recorded in 1940–45; cortico- + steroid

Example Sentences

For example, corticosteroids can cause fluid retention, and adding a salty diet to the mix can exacerbate that issue.

From Time

Other experts say that pricey biologics might be needed far less if more patients with severe asthma reliably took their inhaled corticosteroids.

From Time

For decades, corticosteroids have been a standby of IBD therapy.

From Time

These included a reduction in activity limitations and asthma symptoms—improvements that were comparable to those prior research had linked to inhaled corticosteroids.

From Time

Several common corticosteroids were used in the different trials, including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and methylprednisolone.

From Popular-Science