cholesterol

cho·les·ter·ol

noun \kə-ˈles-tə-ˌrōl, -ˌrȯl\

Definition of CHOLESTEROL

: a steroid alcohol C₂₇H₄₅OH that is present in animal cells and body fluids, regulates membrane fluidity, and functions as a precursor molecule in various metabolic pathways and as a constituent of LDL may cause atherosclerosis — compare bad cholesterol, good cholesterol

Examples of CHOLESTEROL

1. Did your doctor check your cholesterol?

Origin of CHOLESTEROL

International Scientific Vocabulary, from chol- + Greek stereos solid

First Known Use: 1894

Other Biochemistry Terms

bile, biodegradable, capsaicin, keratin, metabolism

Rhymes with CHOLESTEROL

Costa del Sol, hole-in-the-wall, Mariupol', medicine ball, Neanderthal, Sevastopol, total recall, Transalpine Gaul, Vincent de Paul