sterol

noun

ste·​rol ˈstir-ˌȯl How to pronounce sterol (audio)
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

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sterol.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sterol was in 1913

Dictionary Entries Near sterol

Cite this Entry

“Sterol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterol. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

sterol

noun
ste·​rol ˈsti(ə)r-ˌȯl How to pronounce sterol (audio) ˈste(ə)r- How to pronounce sterol (audio)
-ˌōl
: any of various solid steroid alcohols (as cholesterol) widely distributed in animal and plant lipids

More from Merriam-Webster on sterol

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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