/stear"oyd, ster"-/ , Biochem.
n.
1. any of a large group of fat-soluble organic compounds, as the sterols, bile acids, and sex hormones, most of which have specific physiological action.
adj.
2. Also, steroidal /sti royd"l, ste-/ . pertaining to or characteristic of a steroid.
[ 1925-30; STER(OL) + -OID ]