It's chemistry makes it a steroid. The "anabolic" in anabolic steroids simply means it promotes an anabolic environment; one where simple substances combine to make larger ones (grow).
anabolic simply means "muscle promoting" or "muscle enhancing" hence the reason why you see that term used in prohormones and other supplements. Anabolic-androgenic steroids are man-made substances related to male sex hormones. “Anabolic” refers to muscle-building, and “androgenic” refers to increased masculine characteristics. “Steroids” refers to the class of drugs.
__________________ CURRENTLY: 196lbs as of 7/17 8pm