A steroid is a type of chemical substance found in your body. Steroids can be artificiallyintroduced into the bodies of athletes to improve their strength.
steroid in British English
(ˈstɪərɔɪd, ˈstɛr-)
noun
biochemistry
any of a large group of fat-soluble organic compounds containing a characteristic chemical ring system. The majority, including the sterols, bile acids, many hormones, and the D vitamins, have important physiological action
Derived forms
steroidal (steˈroidal)
adjective
Word origin
C20: from sterol + -oid
steroid in American English
(ˈstɪrˌɔɪd; ˈstɛrˌɔɪd)
noun
any of a group of compounds including the sterols, bile acids, and sex hormones, characteristically having the carbon-atom ring structure of the sterols;specif., an anabolic steroid
Derived forms
steroidal (steˈroidal)
adjective
Word origin
< sterol + -oid
Examples of 'steroid' in a sentence
steroid
Officials are doubtful as to how useful growth hormone or steroids could be to competitors.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He was flatly against the use of anabolic steroids by athletes.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Those who suffer all summer should try a steroid nasal spray.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
He wants me to take steroids again for a month.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Treat it with a mild steroid cream.
The Sun (2014)
The trouble is that a lot of the nasal sprays have steroids which can be a problem.
The Sun (2008)
This disappeared after a steroid cream was applied.
MacEoin, Beth Healthy By Nature (1994)
But steroid sprays are good if you need regular treatment.
The Sun (2014)
The other common eczema treatment is steroid cream.
The Sun (2015)
To fill your system with anabolic steroids to win a race at least has the logic of greed to it.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
While classified as a vitamin, it is a steroid hormone vital to health.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
But if the steroid spray is working fine, you can carry on with that.
The Sun (2012)
I played when rumours of steroid abuse were rife.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
A pal spoke out to warn about the dangers of steroid abuse.
The Sun (2010)
The first consideration was whether this might be a case of excessive steroid abuse - but that was easily tested.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In a sport in which power and strength play an increasing part, steroid abuse has been more common place.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Some people are tempted to take anabolic steroids to build their muscle mass, while others use them to improve performance.
The Sun (2015)
These are called steroid hormones.
Holford, Patrick The Family Nutrition Workbook (1988)
Unlike his predecessor, he has publicised the results of all drug tests and banned for life those who have taken anabolic steroids.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Guys often stop me to ask about my fitness routine and if I take steroids.
The Sun (2014)
Continuing on our journey around the body, we will also meet cholesterol in the glands as it is the derivative of a number of steroid hormones.
Erdmann, Robert & Jones, Meirion Fats, Nutrition and Health (1991)
The main effect that body builders want is a boost of muscle mass, and anabolic steroids help you get big, fast.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In other languages
steroid
British English: steroid /ˈstɪərɔɪd; ˈstɛr-/ NOUN
A steroid is a type of chemical substance which occurs naturally in the body, and can also be made artificially.