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

Depending on your overall risk, your doctor may also suggest taking a statin to lower your cholesterol or starting or adjusting blood pressure medicine. — Matthew Nudy, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026

When statins aren’t enough, other cholesterol-lowering drugs come into play. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 5 Nov. 2026

In rare cases, statins can cause rhabdomyolysis, especially when they are mixed with certain other medications. — News Editor, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

CoQ10 may also interact with certain medications, including warfarin and statins, so check with a healthcare provider like your pharmacist before taking it. — Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 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