Steroid: meaning, definitions and examples

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steroid

 

[ หˆstษ›rษ”ษชd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical usage

A steroid is a type of organic compound that has a characteristic arrangement of four cycloalkane rings that are joined to each other. Steroids can be classified into two main types: corticosteroids and anabolic steroids. Corticosteroids are used medically to treat a variety of conditions, such as inflammation and autoimmune diseases, while anabolic steroids are often misused by athletes to enhance physical performance. Despite their medical benefits, both types of steroids can have significant side effects if not used properly.

Synonyms

compound, hormone, steroid hormone

Examples of usage

  • Doctors prescribe corticosteroids for inflammation.
  • Some athletes abuse anabolic steroids.
  • Steroids are used to treat asthma.
Context #2 | Noun

biological context

In biology, steroids are vital components of cell membranes, affecting their fluidity and functionality. They also function as signaling molecules in various biological processes, including metabolism, immune response, and the development of sexual characteristics.

Synonyms

cholesterol, lipid, steroid hormone

Examples of usage

  • Cholesterol is a type of steroid essential for cell membranes.
  • Steroids play a role in hormone signaling.
  • Some steroids are involved in regulating metabolism.

Translations

Translations of the word "steroid" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น esteroide

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅเคŸเฅ‡เคฐเฅ‰เคฏเคก

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Steroid

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ steroid

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัั‚ะตั€ะพั—ะด

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ steryd

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚นใƒ†ใƒญใ‚คใƒ‰

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท stรฉroรฏde

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ esteroide

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท steroid

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์Šคํ…Œ๋กœ์ด๋“œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณุชูŠุฑูˆูŠุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ steroid

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ steroid

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฑปๅ›บ้†‡

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ steroid

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ steroid

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัั‚ะตั€ะพะธะด

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒขแƒ”แƒ แƒแƒ˜แƒ“แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ steroid

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ esteroide

Word origin

The term 'steroid' is derived from the Greek word 'ฯƒฯ„ฮตฯฮฟฮตฮนฮดฮฎฯ‚' (steroidฤ“s), meaning 'solid, like a solid substance.' The word gained prominence in the early 20th century, as chemists began to isolate and synthesize steroid compounds. These compounds were initially researched for their role in biological processes and were later identified as therapeutic agents. The use of anabolic steroids for performance enhancement in sports gained attention in the 1950s, leading to health concerns and regulatory actions. Over time, the understanding and classification of steroids have expanded, highlighting their diverse roles in medicine and biology.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,461, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.