nonsteroidal
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /nɒnˈstɛrɪəld/
KK: /nɑnˈstɛr.ɪ.əld/
adjective
Definition
Referring to a type of drug or compound that does not contain steroids, often used to reduce inflammation or pain.
Example
The doctor prescribed a nonsteroidal medication to help with the patient's pain.
Conversation
I heard that you were feeling unwell lately, what happened?
Yeah, I had a bad headache and took some nonsteroidal medication for it.
Did it help with the pain?
Definitely! Those nonsteroidal meds really work wonders for me.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
anti-inflammatory
non-hormonal
non-steroidal
Antonyms
steroidal
hormonal
anabolic
noun
Definition
A type of drug or substance that does not include steroids, often used to relieve pain or inflammation.
Example
The doctor prescribed a nonsteroidal medication to help with my arthritis pain.
Conversation
Have you ever tried a nonsteroidal pain reliever for your headache?
Yeah, I used one last week, and it really helped.
I think I might get one; I prefer nonsteroidal options over steroids.
Root Explanation
Nonsteroidal → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "steroidal" (from "steroid" which comes from the Greek "stereos" meaning solid and "eidos" meaning form or shape). The term "nonsteroidal" refers to substances that are not in the steroid category, particularly in the context of anti-inflammatory medications.
Memory Tip
Think of 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'steroid' referring to a specific solid form — this helps you remember that 'nonsteroidal' means something that is not a steroid.
Visually Confused Words
asteroidal
nontrial
nontidal