steroid Definition
- 1any of a large class of organic compounds with a characteristic molecular structure containing four rings of carbon atoms (three six-membered and one five). They include many hormones, alkaloids, and vitamins.
- 2a synthetic version of this hormone used to treat various medical conditions
Using steroid: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "steroid" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Athletes sometimes use steroids to enhance their performance.
Example
Doctors may prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation.
Example
Steroids can have serious side effects if not used properly.
steroid Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for steroid
- corticosteroid
- hormone
- anabolic steroid
Phrases with steroid
Example
Steroid abuse can lead to serious health problems.
a period of time during which a person uses steroids, followed by a period of time when they do not use them
Example
Athletes often follow a steroid cycle to maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks.
a topical medication that contains steroids and is used to treat skin conditions such as eczema
Example
The doctor prescribed a steroid cream to help with the itching.
Origins of steroid
from German 'Steroide', from 'Stero-' (meaning solid) + '-id' (meaning chemical compound)
Summary: steroid in Brief
A 'steroid' [ˈstɛrɔɪd] is a type of organic compound with a specific molecular structure containing four carbon atom rings. Steroids can be naturally occurring hormones, alkaloids, or vitamins, or synthetic versions of these compounds used to treat various medical conditions. Athletes sometimes use steroids to enhance their performance, but steroid abuse can lead to serious health problems. Doctors may prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation, but steroids can have serious side effects if not used properly.
