retinoid
Meaning of retinoid: A retinoid is a compound chemically related to vitamin A, used in medicine to influence skin cell growth and, in some forms, cancer treatment.
Definition of retinoid
A retinoid is a class of compounds chemically related to vitamin A, including vitamin A itself and a range of natural and synthetic derivatives. Retinoids act on specific receptors within cells to influence processes such as cell growth, differentiation, and turnover.
In dermatology, retinoids are widely used in topical and oral forms to treat conditions such as acne and certain other skin disorders by affecting how skin cells grow and shed. Certain retinoids are also used in the treatment of specific cancers, where they can influence how abnormal cells mature.
Because retinoids affect cell growth broadly, they carry specific precautions, and their use is approached carefully in situations such as pregnancy, given the known risk retinoids pose to a developing fetus.
Used in a sentence
A topical retinoid was prescribed as part of the treatment plan for the patient's acne.
Good to know
Retinoids carry a well-established risk of causing birth defects when used during pregnancy, which is a central consideration whenever a retinoid is prescribed to a person who could become pregnant.
Word origin
Where “retinoid” comes from
Formed from retin-, referring to the retina, from Latin rete, meaning "net," and -oid, from Greek -oeides, meaning "resembling."