Definition

Noun: 1. A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex or made synthetically: Corticosteroids are a class of hormones that are naturally produced in the outer layer (cortex) of the adrenal glands. They can also be manufactured as medications. 2. A drug that reduces swelling and suppresses the immune system: When administered as drugs, corticosteroids are used to decrease inflammation and lower the body's immune response. They are used to treat a wide variety of conditions.

Usage and Examples

• Medical Context: The word is primarily used in medical and pharmacological contexts.
  • The doctor prescribed a corticosteroid to reduce the inflammation in my joints.
  • Long-term use of corticosteroids can have significant side effects.
  • Hydrocortisone is a common corticosteroid used in topical creams.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Distinction: The term is often used interchangeably with "corticoid" or "steroid" in a medical context, though "steroid" can refer to other types (like anabolic steroids). "Corticosteroid" specifies the adrenal cortex origin.
  • The patient's treatment plan includes systemic corticosteroids to manage the autoimmune reaction.

Variants and Related Words

• Corticoid (noun): A synonym for corticosteroid.
• Glucocorticoid (noun): A major subclass of corticosteroids (like cortisol) that primarily affect metabolism and are potent anti-inflammatories.
• Mineralocorticoid (noun): Another subclass of corticosteroids (like aldosterone) that regulate electrolyte and water balance.

Synonyms

• Steroid (in a specific medical context)
• Corticoid
• Adrenal cortical steroid

Related Phrases and Terms

• Corticosteroid therapy: The use of corticosteroid drugs as a treatment.
  • The athlete was undergoing corticosteroid therapy for a severe allergic condition.
• Topical corticosteroid: A corticosteroid medication applied to the skin.
  • For the eczema, use this topical corticosteroid cream twice daily.

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