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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.


adjective

  1. Also ٱ·Ǿ·岹 [] 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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

steroid

  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.
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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 .
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Derived Forms

  • ٱˈǾ岹, adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of steroid1

First recorded in 1925–30; ster(ol) + -oid
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Word History and Origins

Origin of steroid1

C20: from sterol + -oid
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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.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

O’Connor has teased that he sees this series as a trilogy; the third film will be a buddy comedy he describes as “‘Rain Main’ on steroids.”

From

It’s a massive contraption, like a Pilates Reformer on steroids.

From

Speaking in 2020, she said that an attack could last up to seven months if she didn't take steroids within the first 72 hours.

From

She says steroid and moisturiser creams prescribed by her GP "just made me burn and itch", so she was referred to see a dermatologist.

From

And people with muscle dysmorphia are also more likely to use supplements and steroids, which carry their own health risks.

From

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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