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

Some cardiology guidelines push lower, recommending a target under 65 or 80 mg/dL for people ages 40 to 75 who take statins. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026

Some cardiology guidelines recommend a target of less than 65 or 80 mg/dL for people between ages 40 and 75 who take statins. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026

But despite more than 50 years of data showing the cholesterol-lowering medications are safe, many people are still hesitant to take statins, fearing side effects. — Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 25 June 2026

It is also sometimes used to reduce the risk of muscle pain in people who take statins. — Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 22 June 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