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Corticosteroid: meaning, definitions and examples

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corticosteroid

 

[ ˌkɔːrtɪkoʊˈstɛrɔɪd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical treatment

Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex or synthesized for medical use. They are primarily used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response in various conditions such as asthma, arthritis, and allergies.

Synonyms

anti-inflammatory, steroid

Examples of usage

  • The doctor prescribed a corticosteroid to reduce the swelling.
  • Corticosteroids can help manage symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
  • Long-term use of corticosteroids may lead to side effects.

Word origin

The term 'corticosteroid' originated in the mid-20th century, combining 'cortex', referring to the outer layer of an organ or structure (from Latin 'cortex' meaning 'bark'), with 'steroid', which comes from the Greek word 'stereos' meaning 'solid' and 'eidos' meaning 'form'. Researchers discovered the properties of corticosteroids while studying the adrenal glands, which produce these hormones naturally. Since their introduction, corticosteroids have played a crucial role in modern medicine, especially in managing inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Their ability to mimic the body's natural hormones has led to widespread use in both acute and chronic conditions, significantly improving patient outcomes.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,669, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.