steroid meaning

• Noun: steroid  steroyd
  1. Any of several fat-soluble organic compounds having as a basis 17 carbon atoms in four rings; many have important physiological effects 
  2. Any hormone affecting the development and growth of sex organs
     - steroid hormone, sex hormone

  Derived forms: steroids

  See also: steroidal

  Type of: endocrine, hormone, internal secretion, organic compound

  Encyclopedia: Steroid

• 
  [Medicine]
  n : any of numerous compounds containing a 17-carbon 4-ring system and including the sterols and various hormones and glycosides — steroid or ste·roi·dal adj
  

• anabolic steroid:    Noun: anabolic ste ...
• steroid abortifacients:    [Medicine]Steroida ...
• steroid alcohol:    Noun: steroid alco ...

Examples

1. his field of expertise was steroids.
2. the use of steroids is controversial.
3. testosterone is an androgen or male steroid hormone.
4. he lists three types of steroid sex hormones that function in mammals.
5. all steroids contain a skeleton of 17 carbon atoms organized into four rings.