sterol

noun

ste·​rol ˈstir-ˌȯl 

ˈster-,

-ˌōl

: any of various solid steroid alcohols (such as cholesterol) widely distributed in animal and plant lipids

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Specifically, the researchers were interested in studying lanosterol synthase, a highly evolutionarily conserved enzyme that is critical for sterol and saponin biosynthesis. —Wired, 14 July 2022

Then, about 2,250 years ago, the sterol and hydrocarbon levels spike dramatically, and a greater proportion of the land was cleared. —Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 4 Dec. 2012

But, Bradley points out, the fecal sterol signal appears to be extraordinarily sensitive. —Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 4 Dec. 2012

For the first 4,000 or so years of the record, human fecal sterol levels were nearly zero, and the levels of the hydrocarbons were low too. —Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 4 Dec. 2012

Chemicals called sterols, from human and animal feces, record how densely populated the area is. —K.n. Smith, Ars Technica, 6 Aug. 2017

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from -sterol (as in cholesterol)

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

sterol

noun

ste·​rol ˈsti(ə)r-ˌȯl  ˈste(ə)r- 

-ˌōl

: any of various solid steroid alcohols (as cholesterol) widely distributed in animal and plant lipids