Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1900-2000
Origin: sterol type of alcohol (20-21 centuries) (from cholesterol) + -oid

steroid

 noun
     
NEW! See related topics: HUMANDRUGS, MEDICINESDRUG CULTURE
ste‧roid [countable]
1MD a chemical that the body produces naturally or that can be made as a drug to treat illness and injuries. Steroids are sometimes used illegally by people doing sports to improve their performance
on steroids
a bodybuilder on steroids
2

something on steroids

American English informal used to say that something is much bigger, stronger, more impressive etc than something else that is similar to it - used humorously:
They sell cinnamon rolls on steroids.
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
 
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