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 Doctors began using niacin to treat patients with high cardiovascular risk and to lower low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol, but more recent studies found the vitamin offered disappointing results. Arianna Johnson, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Your body needs some amount of cholesterol to work well. Korin Miller, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2024 According to a March 2019 JAMA study, having too much dietary cholesterol—including that from eating eggs—was correlated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Ella Quittner, Health, 9 Feb. 2024 The cholesterol, called lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), causes plaque buildup in arteries that can elevate a person’s risk for deadly heart attacks and strokes, as well as blood clots. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 2 Feb. 2024 For reference, 4 ounces of lobster has about 160 mg of cholesterol and 1 egg has 187 mg of cholesterol. Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Compared with other ethnic groups, Black Americans have been shown to have higher intakes of cholesterol, total and saturated fat, and sodium and lower intakes of fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 22 Jan. 2024 True, the yolks contain cholesterol, but the amount is minimal compared with dietary fats taken in from the rest of the average American diet. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Feb. 2024 Like chickpeas, navy beans are an excellent source of fiber, which helps reduce cholesterol and regulate blood sugars and decrease the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease and some cancers. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 10 Feb. 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

Dictionary Entries Near cholesterol

Cite this Entry

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

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

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