steroid

Everyday

1. A steroid is a kind of chemical, made in the body or as a medicine, that can calm swelling or act like hormones. tree →
2. Steroid creams and inhalers are medicines doctors give for eczema, asthma and other illnesses. tree →
3. Steroids (anabolic steroids) are also drugs some people take to build muscles; using them like this is often against sports rules and can harm health. tree →
4. (informal) «On steroids» means much bigger or stronger than usual: «It's like a skateboard on steroids». tree →

In the lessons

In health lessons, children learn that a brown asthma inhaler may contain a steroid medicine that is safe when a doctor prescribes it. In sport and news, athletes can be banned for taking steroids to cheat. Informally, «on steroids» is a funny way to say «extra powerful». Phrases: «steroid cream», «steroid inhaler», «on steroids», «tested for steroids».

Examples

• The doctor gave me a steroid cream for my eczema. tree →
• My brown inhaler has a small dose of steroid in it. tree →
• The runner was banned for taking steroids. tree →
• Taking steroids without a doctor can damage your heart. tree →
• This new bike is like a scooter on steroids. tree →
• Your body makes some steroids naturally, like hormones. tree →

Note

Countable; often plural «steroids». Medicine steroids from a doctor are not the same as muscle-building steroids misused in sport. Pronounced STEER-oyd or STAIR-oyd.