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dexamethasone

American  
[dek-suh-meth-uh-sohn, -zohn] / ˌdɛk səˈmɛθ əˌsoʊn, -ˌzoʊn /

noun

Pharmacology.
  1. a crystalline, water-soluble steroid, C 22 H 29 FO 5 , used in the treatment of certain allergic or inflammatory conditions, as rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, or dermatosis.


Etymology

Origin of dexamethasone

First recorded in 1955–60; perhaps Dexa(myl) + meth(yl) + -a- (of uncertain origin) + (corti)sone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The way dexamethasone - a cheap steroid drug already available - was deployed in the first few months of the pandemic provides the perfect example.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

This involved taking a dose of dexamethasone at night and having blood drawn the next morning to measure cortisol levels.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

The FDA approved Blenrep for multiple myeloma in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, but only for later-stage patients.

From Barron's • Oct. 24, 2025

It's imperative that further research be carried out to see whether the keto diet has a similar effect in humans — and crucially, whether treatment with dexamethasone delays the onset of cachexia in humans, too.

From Salon • Jun. 21, 2023

At 25,000 feet he paused to give Pittman another injection of dexamethasone, and then everyone stopped for a long time at Camp Three to rest and rehydrate.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

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