cholesterol

noun

cho·​les·​ter·​ol kə-ˈle-stə-ˌrȯl 

-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

These include lipids, ceramides, cholesterol, and hyaluronic acid. —Karyn Repinski, Health, 19 Apr. 2024

While saturated fat contributes to an elevated serum cholesterol concentration that promotes atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries), TMAO is thought to increase inflammation at the site of clogging, increasing the pace and magnitude of atherosclerosis. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 18 Apr. 2024

But consuming things with cholesterol, like eggs and shellfish, has little correlation to high cholesterol in the blood or a risk of heart disease. —Katie Mogg, NBC News, 14 Apr. 2024

Free screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, women's health, behavioral health, dental health. —Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 7 Apr. 2024

Someone has borderline cholesterol, meanwhile, when their total cholesterol is in the 200 to 239 range. —Sarah Klein, TIME, 1 Apr. 2024

Research also suggests that whole fruit is better for heart health than pure fruit juice, especially since whole fruit contains fiber that can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from chol- + Greek stereos solid

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cholesterol

• bad cholesterol
• cholesterol level
• good cholesterol
• high cholesterol

Kids Definition

cholesterol

noun

cho·​les·​ter·​ol kə-ˈles-tə-ˌrōl 

-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 

: 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