One of the steroids of the adrenal cortex that influences water and electrolyte (particularly sodium and potassium ions) metabolism and balance. SYN: mineralocoid.
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min·er·al·o·cor·ti·coid .min(-ə)-rə-lō-'kȯrt-ə-.kȯid n a corticosteroid (as aldosterone) that affects chiefly the electrolyte and fluid balance in the body compare GLUCOCORTICOID
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n.
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min·er·alo·cor·ti·coid (min″ər-al″o-korґtĭ-koid) any of the group of C21 corticosteroids that are involved in the regulation of electrolyte and water balance through their effects on ion transport in epithelial cells; the most important one is aldosterone. They promote retention of sodium, loss of potassium, and the secondary retention of water; some also have varying degrees of glucocorticoid activity.Medical dictionary. 2011.