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

Evidence suggests that taking statins, a cholesterol-lowering medication, could lower the risk of DME by reducing inflammation and preserving the function of blood vessels in the eye. —Zia Sherrell, Health, 5 Mar. 2026

It is also sometimes used to reduce the risk of muscle pain in people who take statins. —Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2026

Even statins, the drugs of choice for treating high cholesterol, weren't helping her numbers budge more than about 10 points. —Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026

Previous data shows statins significantly reduce cardiovascular disease, and the risk-benefit ratio was already sufficiently positive that some experts recommend giving them to all over-50s, even those not at risk of heart disease. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from -statin (as in lovastatin)

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for statin

• aten
• clayton
• satan
• straighten
• creatine

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