any of several fat-soluble organic compounds having as a basis 17 carbon atoms in four rings; many have important physiological effects
"The doctor explained that his prescription was for a steroid, which is a complex molecule made of seventeen carbons arranged in four rings to help reduce the inflammation in his joints."
any hormone affecting the development and growth of sex organs
"The doctor explained that his early puberty was caused by a naturally occurring steroid in his body accelerating the development of his reproductive organs."
A class of organic compounds having a structure of 17 carbon atoms arranged in four rings; they are lipids, and occur naturally as sterols, bile acids, adrenal and sex hormones, and some vitamins; many drugs are synthetic steroids.
"The doctor warned that taking the synthetic steroid without supervision could disrupt his body's natural production of these essential lipids used for making hormones and bile acids."