What does steroid mean?
A steroid is a member of a group of organic compounds related to cholesterol. Many steroids occur naturally in the body and act as hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone, and the sex hormones. Synthetic versions can be used as medicines to treat inflammation, immune disorders, hormonal deficiencies, and some cancers. In sport and fitness contexts, “steroid” often means an anabolic-androgenic steroid: a substance related to testosterone that can increase muscle mass and strength but may carry serious health risks. The term is broader in scientific contexts than in everyday speech, where it frequently refers to a prescribed corticosteroid or a performance-enhancing drug. Understanding which type is meant is important because the medical, legal, and health implications differ considerably.
nounA steroid is a naturally occurring or synthetic organic compound related to cholesterol, many of which function as hormones or other biological signaling substances. The term can also refer to a pharmaceutical preparation based on one of these compounds, especially an anabolic steroid used to increase muscle mass or enhance athletic performance.
- Any of a large class of organic compounds related to cholesterol, including hormones and other biologically active substances.
- A synthetic preparation of a steroid hormone, especially one used medically to treat inflammation or certain disorders.
- An anabolic-androgenic steroid used nonmedically to increase muscle mass, strength, or athletic performance.
"The doctor prescribed a steroid to reduce the inflammation in her joints."
"Cortisol is a steroid hormone that helps the body respond to stress."
"The sprinter was suspended after testing positive for an anabolic steroid."
Used for multiple steroid substances, medicines, or performance-enhancing drugs.
"Doctors sometimes use corticosteroids, a class of steroids, to control severe inflammation."
The word “steroid” comes from Greek roots meaning “solid” and “form,” a fitting name for a group of molecules that help regulate many of the body's processes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does steroid come from?
The word was formed in the 20th century from Greek stereos, meaning “solid,” and the combining form -eidēs or -oid, meaning “form” or “resembling.” It was adopted for a class of chemical compounds related to the originally named steroid, now called cholesterol. The “solid” sense reflects the historical grouping of solid, alcohol-related substances from which the chemical family takes its name.
Related word forms
How steroid is actually used
In general use, “steroid” often suggests either a corticosteroid medicine or an anabolic steroid associated with bodybuilding or competitive sports, while in chemistry and biology it has a broader meaning. The word can sometimes carry negative connotations because of the association with doping and misuse, although it is also routinely used for legitimate medical treatments.