Definition

1. Noun:
   • A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex or made synthetically: A corticoid is a type of hormone that originates from the outer layer (cortex) of the adrenal gland. These substances can also be manufactured in a laboratory.
   • A drug that reduces swelling and suppresses the immune response: When used as medication, corticoids are administered to decrease inflammation and lower the body's immune activity, helping to treat various medical conditions.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed a corticoid to manage the severe inflammation in my joints.
  • Natural corticoids like cortisol are essential for regulating the body's response to stress.
  • Long-term use of synthetic corticoids requires careful medical supervision.

Advanced Usage

• "Topical corticoid": A corticoid medication applied directly to the skin.
  • A topical corticoid cream is often used for treating eczema.
• "Systemic corticoid": A corticoid that affects the entire body, typically taken orally or by injection.
  • For a severe allergic reaction, a systemic corticoid may be necessary.

Variants and Related Words

• Corticosteroid (n): A more common and precise synonym for corticoid, encompassing all steroids produced by the adrenal cortex.
  • Corticosteroids are a class of powerful anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Glucocorticoid (n): A major type of corticoid that primarily affects metabolism and immune function (e.g., cortisol).
  • Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid.
• Mineralocorticoid (n): A type of corticoid that regulates salt and water balance in the body (e.g., aldosterone).

Synonyms

• Corticosteroid: The most direct synonym.
• Adrenal cortical steroid: A more technical term specifying the gland of origin.
• Steroid hormone (in this specific context): A broader category that includes corticoids.

Related Phrases (Phrasal verbs are not applicable for this noun)

• Corticoid therapy: The treatment of a condition using corticoid drugs.
  • The patient began corticoid therapy for their autoimmune disease.
• Corticoid injection: The administration of a corticoid via a needle.
  • He received a corticoid injection directly into the inflamed tendon.

Related Idioms

(Idioms are not commonly associated with this specific scientific/medical term.)

Noun

1. a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex or synthesized; administered as drugs they reduce swelling and decrease the body's immune response
   • adrenal cortical steroids are used to treat many different conditions