cholesterol

noun cho·les·ter·ol \ kə-ˈles-tə-ˌrōl , -ˌrȯl \

Updated on: 21 Apr 2018

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

See cholesterol defined for English-language learners

See cholesterol defined for kids

Examples of cholesterol in a Sentence

Did your doctor check your cholesterol?

Recent Examples of cholesterol from the Web

Are you among the 73 million Americans with cholesterol levels that current guidelines suggest should be lowered by taking a statin for the sake of your cardiovascular well-being?

— jane e. brody, New York Times, "Weighing the Pros and Cons of Statins," 16 Apr. 2018
That may partly reflect that alcohol can elevate blood pressure and alter cholesterol levels, the researchers said.

— Washington Post, "When to say when: Study says limit alcohol to 1 drink a day," 12 Apr. 2018
Participants must have had high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

— andrea k. mcdaniels, baltimoresun.com, "Johns Hopkins to continue with international alcohol study despite criticism about funding," 31 Mar. 2018
This is done through looking at different mathematical models, patient characteristics and different biomarkers, such as body temperature, cholesterol levels and more.

— peter krouse, cleveland.com, "A dozen companies selected for Plug and Play Cleveland accelerator," 9 Mar. 2018
In a study that should give hope to overweight people unable to change their diet, Houston-area researchers have developed an anti-obesity drug shown to reduce fat and cholesterol levels without suppressing appetite.

— todd ackerman, Houston Chronicle, "Galveston researchers develop drug that shrinks fat ... in mice," 16 Jan. 2018
Most of the public is pretty well-versed in the basics of heart health, given cardiovascular disease’s grim grip on Americans: Exercise strengthens heart muscles, opens arteries, and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.

— elizabeth varnell, Vogue, "Here’s Why Sitting at a Desk All Day Is Harmful to Your Heart," 6 Jan. 2018
Our children have lower cholesterol, stronger bones and healthier hearts than those who were brought up on traditional Southern fare.

— leslie anne tarabella, AL.com, "Velveeta, I know you not," 20 Aug. 2017
Nutrition | Per serving: 592 calories (25 percent from fat), 16.6 g fat (3.6 g saturated, 8.1 g monounsaturated), 134 mg cholesterol, 56.6 g protein, 55.2 g carbohydrates, 7.9 g fiber, 361 mg sodium.

— linda gassenheimer, miamiherald, "New England specialty perfect for leftover meat, potatoes | Miami Herald," 2 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cholesterol.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cholesterol

International Scientific Vocabulary, from chol- + Greek stereos solid

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1894

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Biochemistry Terms

bile, biodegradable, capsaicin, keratin, metabolism

CHOLESTEROL Defined for English Language Learners

cholesterol

noun

Definition of cholesterol for English Language Learners

: a substance that is found in the bodies of people and animals

Medical Dictionary

cholesterol

noun cho·les·ter·ol \ kə-ˈles-tə-ˌrōl, -ˌrȯl \

medical Definition of cholesterol

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

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, 25 Sept. 2008

… the drug reduces the production of cholesterol in the liver, decreasing the amount of artery-clogging cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream.
—Newsweek, 8 Dec. 1986

Illustration of cholesterol

Learn More about cholesterol

See words that rhyme with cholesterol Spanish Central: Translation of cholesterol Nglish: Translation of cholesterol for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cholesterol for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cholesterol

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up cholesterol? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

cholesterol

Definition of cholesterol

Examples of cholesterol in a Sentence

Recent Examples of cholesterol from the Web

Origin and Etymology of cholesterol

Other Biochemistry Terms

CHOLESTEROL Defined for English Language Learners

cholesterol

Definition of cholesterol for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

cholesterol

medical Definition of cholesterol

Illustration of cholesterol

Learn More about cholesterol

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

mollycoddle

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

All the Hits

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

‘Sleight’ or ‘Slight’ of Hand?

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Add Diction

All the Hits

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

cholesterol

Definition of cholesterol

Examples of cholesterol in a Sentence

Recent Examples of cholesterol from the Web

Origin and Etymology of cholesterol

Other Biochemistry Terms

Phrases Related to CHOLESTEROL

Related Phrases

CHOLESTEROL Defined for English Language Learners

cholesterol

Definition of cholesterol for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

cholesterol

medical Definition of cholesterol

Illustration of cholesterol

Learn More about cholesterol

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

All the Hits

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes