Definition

Noun: A ketosteroid is a type of steroid molecule that contains a ketone functional group (a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, C=O) within its chemical structure. This specific feature distinguishes it from other steroids.

Usage

The term is used in scientific and medical contexts, particularly in biochemistry, endocrinology, and pharmacology, to classify and describe specific steroid hormones and their metabolites.

Examples

• Laboratory analysis detected several ketosteroids in the urine sample.
• Androsterone is a classic example of a ketosteroid.
• The research focused on the metabolic pathway of this particular ketosteroid.

Advanced Usage

• 17-ketosteroid: A specific subclass of ketosteroids where the ketone group is located at the 17th carbon position of the steroid nucleus. These are often measured in clinical tests.
  • The 17-ketosteroid test was once commonly used to assess adrenal and gonadal function.

Variants and Related Words

• Steroid (n): The broader parent class of organic compounds with a specific four-ring structure, which includes ketosteroids.
• 17-Ketosteroid (n): A specific and common type of ketosteroid.

Synonyms

• Ketonic steroid (technical synonym)

Different Meanings

This word has a single, specific scientific meaning. It does not have common idiomatic or figurative uses.

Noun

1. a steroid containing a ketone group