statin

noun

stat·​in ˈsta-tᵊn 

: any of a group of drugs (such as lovastatin and simvastatin) that inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol and promote the production of LDL-binding receptors in the liver resulting in a usually marked decrease in the level of LDL and a modest increase in the level of HDL circulating in blood plasma

Examples of statin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But a ruling against USPSTF could threaten any decision the panel has made since 2010, including no out-of-pocket payments for cancer screenings and statins. —Sarah Owermohle, STAT, 25 June 2024

In recent years, the medical and scientific communities have realized that the risk of aspirin may outweigh the benefits for many patients, especially older adults and adults already taking statins or other medications. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 25 June 2024

In the 1970s, Endo discovered a class of molecules called statins, which can lower cholesterol by blocking an enzyme that plays a role in its production in the liver. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 June 2024

Regardless of gender, guidelines suggest adults should try taking a statin, or should take a statin with another cholesterol-lowering medication, to manage or prevent heart disease. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 31 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

from -statin (as in lovastatin)

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

statin

noun

stat·​in ˈstat-ᵊn 

: any of a group of lipid-lowering drugs (as lovastatin and simvastatin) that function by inhibiting a liver enzyme which controls the synthesis of cholesterol and by promoting the production of LDL-binding receptors in the liver resulting in a usually marked decrease in the level of LDL and a modest increase in the level of HDL circulating in blood plasma