nonsteroid

1 7.1

A medicine not made from steroids and often used to reduce swelling and pain

noun
/ˌnɒnˈstɪərɔɪd/

Specialized

: no esteroide

Many anti-inflammatory drugs are classified as nonsteroids to distinguish them from corticosteroids.

Examples

The medication is a nonsteroid, reducing the risk of certain side effects associated with steroid drugs.
The doctor prescribed a nonsteroid medication for the inflammation.
Researchers are developing new nonsteroid treatments for various hormonal conditions.
Many athletes prefer nonsteroids to avoid side effects.
Many anti-inflammatory drugs are classified as nonsteroids to distinguish them from corticosteroids.
The doctor prescribed a nonsteroid medication for the inflammation.
Researchers are developing new nonsteroid treatments for various hormonal conditions.

Surface Forms

nonsteroid singular

nonsteroids plural

Morphology

nonsteroid = steroid (transparent) = non + steroid

The word is a straightforward negation formed by the productive prefix 'non-' added to the noun 'steroid', so its meaning is directly 'not a steroid'.

Etymology

Nonsteroid combines the prefix non- meaning 'not' with steroid, a type of drug, so it literally means 'not a steroid'. That is why a nonsteroid usually means a medicine or substance made to avoid the side effects of steroid drugs.