Main Entry: cho·les·ter·ol

Pronunciation: \kə-ˈles-tə-ˌrōl, -ˌrȯl\

Function: noun

Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary, from chol- + Greek stereos solid

Date: 1894

: 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 arteriosclerosis — compare bad cholesterol, good cholesterol