LDL

noun

ˌel-(ˌ)dē-ˈel 

: a lipoprotein of blood plasma that is composed of a moderate proportion of protein with little triglyceride and a high proportion of cholesterol and that is associated with increased probability of developing atherosclerosis : bad cholesterol compare hdl

Examples of LDL in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Regular consumption of nuts, including almonds, walnuts, cashews, and pistachios, has been shown to lower small, dense LDL cholesterol levels. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 2 Sep. 2026

Medications available today can already lower LDL cholesterol to the levels found in the study. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

The main cholesterol and blood fat names to pay attention to are LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

The results showed that the increase in CETP preceded the increase in LDL cholesterol. — Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

low-density lipoprotein

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

LDL

noun

ˈel-ˈdē-ˈel 

: a lipoprotein of blood plasma that is composed of a moderate proportion of protein with little triglyceride and a high proportion of cholesterol and that is associated with increased probability of developing atherosclerosis

called also bad cholesterol, beta-lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein

compare hdl, vldl