Definition

A type of hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control various functions in the body, including inflammation and immune response. They can also be made artificially for medical use.

Example

The doctor prescribed a corticosteroid to reduce the inflammation in my lungs.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of corticosteroids for treating allergies?

Yeah, I think they help reduce inflammation, right?

Exactly! My doctor recommended them when my allergies flared up.

That makes sense; I've heard they can be really effective.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Corticosteroid → It is formed from "cortex" (from Latin *cortex*, meaning bark or outer layer) and "steroid" (from Greek *stereos*, meaning solid, and *eidos*, meaning form). The word refers to a class of steroid hormones produced in the cortex of the adrenal glands, thus relating to the outer layer and solid form of these hormones.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'cortex' as the outer layer of the adrenal glands where these 'solid' hormones are produced, helping you remember that corticosteroids are hormones from the outer layer.

Visually Confused Words