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

For example, vitamin D, sometimes taken to support the heart, may reduce the efficacy of statins. —Sarah Cottone, Health, 24 Feb. 2025

Some common statins used to control high cholesterol can build up to toxic levels because the chemical in grapefruit juice blocks its normal processing. —Gary W. Miller, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2025

Similarly, simvastatin and atorvastatin might be able to be swapped out for other statins like fluvastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 7 Apr. 2025

For one, the researchers excluded participants who started or stopped cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins during the course of the study. —Brian Mastroianni, Health, 7 Feb. 2025

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