Steroidal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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steroidal
[stษrษสrหdaษชษl ]
Definition
medical, pharmacological
The term 'steroidal' refers to substances that are related to, derived from, or resembling steroids, which are a class of organic compounds characterized by a molecular structure containing four fused rings. Steroidal compounds include a variety of hormones, alkaloids, and vitamins. They are commonly used in medicine to treat inflammation, as anabolic agents, and for hormonal replacement therapies. The use of steroids can have significant physiological effects on the body, influencing muscle growth, metabolism, and immune response.
Synonyms
anabolic, steroid-based, steroid-like.
Examples of usage
- The patient was prescribed a steroidal medication for his chronic inflammation.
- Steroidal drugs can enhance athletic performance but also carry risks.
- Doctors often recommend steroidal treatments for severe allergies.
- Research is ongoing into the effects of steroidal compounds on muscle development.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Medicine
- Corticosteroids are a class of steroids commonly used to reduce inflammation in conditions like asthma or arthritis.
- Anabolic steroids, often associated with muscle growth, are synthetic variants of testosterone, used legally for medical purposes but sometimes abused in sports.
Pop Culture
- The use of performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids, has been a controversial topic in professional sports, leading to scandals and debates about fair play.
- Movies often portray characters who use steroids to gain strength, sometimes leading to dramatic and humorous outcomes.
Science
- Many naturally occurring steroids in the body play vital roles, such as cholesterol, which is important for cell membranes and hormone production.
- Some steroids can be derived from plants, indicating their diverse sources and uses in both medicine and nutrition.
Psychology
- Certain individuals might experience mood swings or increased aggression when using anabolic steroids, a phenomenon often referred to as 'roid rage'.
- Studies show that the use of steroids can lead to altered body image perceptions, influencing some users to pursue unrealistic physical ideals.
Origin of 'steroidal'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the word 'steroid', which comes from the Greek word 'stereos', meaning solid.
- The suffix '-al' is used in chemistry to indicate a relation, making 'steroidal' mean pertaining to steroids.
The word 'steroidal' is derived from the noun 'steroid,' which traces its roots back to the early 20th century. The term steroid itself comes from the combination of 'sterol', which refers to a type of organic compound, and the suffix '-oid', which means 'like' or 'resembling'. Steroids gained significance in biology and medicine when researchers began to explore their various functions in the body, particularly during the mid-1900s. The synthetic production of steroids soared during this period, leading to a new class of drugs that would revolutionize medicine. Over the years, 'steroidal' has come to be associated with various therapeutic applications, particularly in treating inflammation and hormonal imbalances, as well as in discussions surrounding sports and performance enhancement.