I. ˈsti(ə)ˌrȯid, -te(- noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary ster ol + -oid
: any of a class of compounds that are characterized by a polycyclic structure like that of the sterols and that usually include the sterols and vitamin D as well as many other naturally occurring compounds (as the bile acids and various hormones and glycosides) — compare cholesterol illustration
II. adjective
or ste·roi·dal stə̇ˈrȯid ə l, steˈr-
Etymology: steroidal from steroid (I) + -al
1. : resembling a sterol especially in chemical structure
2. : of, relating to, or being a steroid