a sterol found in all animal tissues, blood, bile, and animal fats: a precursor of other body steroids. A high level of cholesterol in the blood is implicated in some cases of atherosclerosis, leading to heart disease. Formula: C27H45OH
Former name: cholesterin (kəˈlɛstərɪn)
Word origin
C19: from chole- + Greek stereos hard, solid, so called because first observed in gallstones