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

One review noted that kombucha helped reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in several animal studies. —Mikayla Morell, Health, 13 Apr. 2026

Some fish oil supplements may raise LDL levels and increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 2026

The experimental treatment would use CRISPR, a gene-editing tool likened to biological scissors, to make precise cuts in the DNA to turn off a liver gene that prevents lipids — fatty substances including LDL cholesterol and triglycerides — from being cleared from the blood. —David Cox, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026

Some studies have shown that cumin powder can lower bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. —Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 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