Sterol vs. Steroid

Sterolnoun

Any steroid that contains a hydroxyl group in the 3-position of the A-ring.

Sterolnoun

any of a group of natural steroid alcohols derived from plants or animals; they are waxy insoluble substances

Sterol

Sterol is a chemical compound with formula C17H28O, whose molecule is derived from that of gonane by replacement of a hydrogen atom in position 3 by a hydroxyl group. It is therefore an alcohol of gonane.

Steroidnoun

A class of organic compounds having a structure of 17 carbon atoms arranged in four rings; they are lipids, and occur naturally as sterols, bile acids, adrenal and sex hormones, and some vitamins; many drugs are synthetic steroids.

Steroidnoun

Any anabolic hormone used to promote muscle growth or athletic performance.

Steroidnoun

any of several fat-soluble organic compounds having as a basis 17 carbon atoms in four rings; many have important physiological effects

Steroidnoun

any hormone affecting the development and growth of sex organs

Steroid

A steroid is a biologically active organic compound with four rings arranged in a specific molecular configuration. Steroids have two principal biological functions: as important components of cell membranes which alter membrane fluidity; and as signaling molecules.