cholesterol

noun

cho·​les·​ter·​ol kə-ˈle-stə-ˌrȯl How to pronounce cholesterol (audio)
-ˌrōl
: a waxy, fat-like substance C27H46O that is found in the cells, tissues, and body fluids of humans and animals and that serves as a component of cell membranes and functions as a precursor of vitamin D and steroid hormones (such as cortisol and estrogen)

Note: Cholesterol is produced primarily in the liver and is also derived from dietary sources (such as meat, eggs, and dairy products). It is carried in the bloodstream in the form of lipoproteins, and as a constituent of LDL it may contribute to arterial plaque formation leading to atherosclerosis.

The liver uses cholesterol to produce bile acids, which emulsify fats in the small intestine so they can be more readily absorbed and digested.—Deane Morrison
Doctors use statins to treat high cholesterol in patients whose condition has not responded to a treatment of dietary changes.—Joseph Gerstein
In many cases, the flow of oxygen-bearing blood is hindered by a buildup of cholesterol in the coronary arteries …—Michael Waldholz et al.
Despite being much maligned in the popular press, cholesterol plays a crucial role in organizing cell membranes and controlling their physical properties.—Amanda Yarnell
see also bad cholesterol, good cholesterol

Examples of cholesterol in a Sentence

Did your doctor check your cholesterol?
Recent Examples on the Web The scans can indicate a person’s heart attack risk by measuring the buildup of plaque—cholesterol and other substances—in the heart’s arteries (the higher the score, the greater the risk). —Maggie O'Neill, Health, 11 Apr. 2024 For example, in about 10% of people who take them, statin drugs to lower cholesterol can cause muscle pain, explains Gina Lundberg, MD, clinical director of the Emory Women’s Cardiovascular Health Center and a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2024 Avocados are also said to help keep your blood sugar levels constant, and to help cholesterol and triglyceride (a type of fat) levels stay low. —Sina Petri, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2024 Green Coffee Bean - Helps reduce sugar cravings, lowers cholesterol, and improves body composition. —Weight Loss Advisors, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024 This year's event includes: checking blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and kidney function, HIV and syphilis testing, fitness classes, CPR training, Narcan training and kit distribution, Mental Health Makeovers and Massages, lead screenings, and Cuts and Conversations, a men's panel discussion. —Detroit Free Press, 2 Apr. 2024 When made properly, yeast grown on rice produces various compounds, including lovastatin, which is known to lower cholesterol, the physician said. —Kate Gibson, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2024 According to the Mayo Clinic, coronary heart disease is a common heart condition that occurs when a person's coronary arteries become filled with cholesterol deposits and plaque. —Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2024 The research, published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention, & Health, also found that participants had lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels at the end of the three-month period. —Sarah Garone, Health, 29 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cholesterol.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from chol- + Greek stereos solid

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cholesterol was in 1894

Phrases Containing cholesterol

Dictionary Entries Near cholesterol

cholesteric

cholesterol

cholesterol level

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Cholesterol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cholesterol. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

cholesterol

noun
cho·​les·​ter·​ol kə-ˈles-tə-ˌrōl How to pronounce cholesterol (audio)
-ˌrȯl
: a waxy substance that is present in animal cells and tissues, is important in bodily processes, and may be related to the abnormal thickening and hardening of arteries when too much is present

Medical Definition

cholesterol

noun
cho·​les·​ter·​ol kə-ˈles-tə-ˌrōl, -ˌrȯl How to pronounce cholesterol (audio)
: a waxy, fat-like steroid alcohol C27H46O that is found in the cells, tissues, and body fluids of humans and animals, serves as a component of cell membranes and functions as a precursor of vitamin D and steroid hormones, and as a constituent of LDL may contribute to arterial plaque formation leading to atherosclerosis

Note: Cholesterol is produced primarily in the liver and is also derived from dietary sources (such as meat, eggs, and dairy products). It is carried in the bloodstream in the form of lipoproteins.

Cholesterol is a lipid present in the cell membrane and subcellular organelles of tissues throughout the body. … In addition, cholesterol serves as the building block for all steroid hormones including cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen, and testosterone.—Sarah de Ferranti and David S. Ludwig, The New England Journal of Medicine
… the drug reduces the production of cholesterol in the liver, decreasing the amount of artery-clogging cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream.—Newsweek

More from Merriam-Webster on cholesterol

Nglish: Translation of cholesterol for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of cholesterol for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cholesterol

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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