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 1a(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

Adding corticosteroids to hydrodissection didn’t significantly improve the results. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Oct. 2026

This corticosteroid can help with managing persistent itchiness from conditions such as scalp psoriasis (one of the most common forms of psoriasis, according to a study published in the journal Dermatology and Therapy). — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026

Mild to moderate carpal tunnel is increasingly managed with splinting, corticosteroids, physical therapy, therapeutic ultrasound and yoga, per the American Academy of Family Physicians. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

Conservative options such as splinting, corticosteroids, physical therapy and yoga may help mild to moderate cases. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for corticosteroid

• adenoid
• alkaloid
• amoeboid
• amyloid
• aneroid
• arachnoid
• asteroid
• benzenoid
• carcinoid
• celluloid
• coronoid
• humanoid

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