Pharmacologic Substance
steroid
ste·roid [ steer-oid, ster- ]
Subclass of:
Fused-Ring Compounds
Also called:
Corticosteroids; Glucocorticoids
Definitions related to steroids:
-
Any of a group of lipids (fats) that have a certain chemical structure. Steroids occur naturally in plants and animals or they may be made in the laboratory. Examples of steroids include sex hormones, cholesterol, bile acids, and some drugs.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
Compounds that contain a hydrogenated cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring system; they include cholesterol, numerous hormones, precursors of certain vitamins, bile acids, alcohols, and certain natural drugs and poisons.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
-
A group of polycyclic compounds closely related biochemically to TERPENES. They include cholesterol, numerous hormones, precursors of certain vitamins, bile acids, alcohols (STEROLS), and certain natural drugs and poisons. Steroids have a common nucleus, a fused, reduced 17-carbon atom ring system, cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene. Most steroids also have two methyl groups and an aliphatic side-chain attached to the nucleus. (From Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 11th ed)NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
-
Another term for corticosteroids�steroid medications made to mimic hormones produced naturally by the adrenal glands. They are used to treat a wide range of health problems.Harvard Dictionary of Health TermsHarvard Medical Publishing, 2011
-
You may have heard of anabolic steroids, which can have harmful effects. But there's another type of steroid - sometimes called a corticosteroid - that treats a variety of problems. These steroids are similar to hormones that your adrenal glands make to fight stress associated with illnesses and injuries. They reduce inflammation and affect the immune system. You may need to take corticosteroids to treat Arthritis; Asthma; Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis; Skin conditions such as eczema and rashes; Some kinds of cancer. Steroids are strong medicines, and they can have side effects, including weakened bones and cataracts. Because of this, you usually take them for as short a time as possible.MedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
-
(steroid compound) Compounds possessing the skeleton of cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene or a skeleton derived therefrom by one or more bond scissions or ring expansions or contractions. Methyl groups are normally present at C-10 and C-13. An alkyl side chain may also be present at C-17. They include cholesterol, numerous hormones, precursors of certain vitamins, bile acids, alcohols (STEROLS), and certain natural drugs and poisons.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
Steroid, any of a class of natural or synthetic organic compounds characterized by a molecular structure of 17 carbon atoms arranged in four rings. Steroids are important in biology, chemistry, and medicine. The steroid group includes all the sex hormones, adrenal cortical hormones, bile acids, and...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary
> S
This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.