GC: n

S: AAO – https://www.aao.org/eye-health/drugs/steroid-tablets (last access: 21 November 2023); NHS – https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/medicines-information/short-term-steroid-treatment/ (last access: 21 November 2023).

N: 1. naturally occuring substance based on a carbon skeleton similar to that of sterol molecules, 1936, from sterol + –oid “resembling.” Related: Steroids.

2. 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 sterols of vertebrates, as well as the molting hormones of insects and many other physiologically active substances of animals and plants. Among the synthetic steroids of therapeutic value are a large number of anti-inflammatory agents, anabolic (growth-stimulating) agents, and oral contraceptives.

3. Different categories of steroids are frequently distinguished from each other by names that relate to their biological source—e.g., phytosterols (found in plants), adrenal steroids, and bile acids—or to some important physiological function—e.g., progesterones (promoting gestation), androgens (favouring development of masculine characteristics), and cardiotonic steroids (facilitating proper heart function).

4. Steroids vary from one another in the nature of attached groups, the position of the groups, and the configuration of the steroid nucleus (or gonane). Small modifications in the molecular structures of steroids can produce remarkable differences in their biological activities.

5. Chemical Elements and Compounds; Biochemistry: A class of natural or synthetic organic chemical compounds characterized by a molecular structure of 17 carbon atoms arranged in four rings.
Key term: steroids.

6. Biochemistry; Games and Competitions (Sports): steroids, juice.
juice: Familiar name used by athletes in reference to steroids.

S: 1. OED – https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=steroid (last access: 21 November 2023). 2 to 4. EncBrit – https://www.britannica.com/science/steroid (last access: 21 November 2023). 5&6. TERMIUM PLUS – https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-eng.html?lang=eng&i=1&srchtxt=steroid&index=alt&codom2nd_wet=1#resultrecs (last access: 21 November 2023).

SYN:
S:

CR: corticosteroid, cortisol, cortisone, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.