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

This includes cancer screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies, statins for heart disease, immunizations, counseling on health behaviors related to weight management, alcohol and drug use, prenatal testing and HIV prevention (preexposure prophylaxis) medications. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025

At issue is whether a volunteer medical panel that recommends preventive services, like statins, cancer screenings, and HIV-prevention drugs, needs Senate confirmation. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025

Berberine plus statins also had beneficial effects.11 Researchers suggest that berberine could be a potential add-on treatment or alternative for certain people, such as those who cannot take statins, such as Lipitor (atorvastatin).1110 4. —Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 11 Apr. 2025

Common cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins may offer significant brain health benefits, according to a recent study. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Apr. 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