steroid
noun
ste·roid
ˈster-ˌȯid
also
ˈstir-
plural steroids
: any of various compounds containing a 17-carbon 4-ring system and including the sterols and numerous hormones (such as anabolic steroids or corticosteroids) and glycosides
ACTH travels in the bloodstream to the adrenal cortex and causes the release of steroids.—Lester Grinspoon et al.
asthma and COPD treated with synthetic steroids
often, specifically
: anabolic steroid
an athlete taking/using steroids
a steroid user
Their … reporting triggered a national wake-up call about steroid use that led to congressional hearings, and, at long last, steroid testing in baseball. —Rick Reilly
see also steroid hormone
see also:
Cite this Entry
“Steroid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steroid. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.
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