corticosteroid

noun

cor·​ti·​co·​ste·​roid

ˌkȯr-ti-kō-ˈster-ˌȯid,

-ˈstir- 

: 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

Topical corticosteroids: These creams and ointments (hydrocortisone is a common one) work by suppressing the inflammatory reaction that causes your skin to bug out. —Alice Oglethorpe, SELF, 10 May 2024

Steroid nasal sprays: These sprays use intranasal corticosteroids like Fluticasone, budesonide, and mometasone to reduce inflammation. —Shannon Ullman, Health, 6 May 2024

When their joints are injured and painful, they’re shot up with corticosteroids that can mask injuries and lead to fractured bones. —Kathy Guillermo, The Mercury News, 3 May 2024

Some of the horses who died received corticosteroid injections in their joints within 30 days of racing. —Melissa Hoppert, New York Times, 2 May 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

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