cholesterol
noun
cho·les·ter·ol kə-ˈle-stə-ˌrōl 
-ˌrȯl
: a steroid alcohol C27H45OH that is present in animal cells and body fluids, regulates membrane fluidity, and functions as a precursor molecule in various metabolic pathways and as a constituent of LDL may cause atherosclerosis compare bad cholesterol, good cholesterol
Example Sentences
Did your doctor check your cholesterol?
Recent Examples on the Web Atherosclerosis is the thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque, made up of fatty substances and cholesterol, in the arteries’ inner lining, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. 
Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 31 Aug. 2022 Plus, studies show that eating nutrient-dense foods low in calories, sodium, and cholesterol significantly lowers the risk of heart disease and boosts mood and energy levels (talk about a win-win!). Kelsey Ogletree, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2022 Raw vegetables supply the satisfying crunch along with fiber, which promotes healthy digestion, reduces cholesterol and lowers blood sugar levels. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 20 Aug. 2022 Simpler still, an average healthy individual could share biometric data such as cholesterol or enzyme levels with their doctor remotely, eliminating the need to travel to their primary care physician’s office for an annual blood panel. Ron Erickson, Forbes, 8 Aug. 2022 Studies have shown that pinto beans can even lower LDL and HDL cholesterol. Cate Geiger Kalus, Country Living, 8 Aug. 2022 One key genetic pathway is APOE ε4, a gene variant responsible for encoding proteins that carry cholesterol in the brain. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 31 July 2022 Several commonly used drugs, like the cholesterol drug rosuvastatin or the seasonal allergy spray fluticasone, also risk potentially dangerous interactions with ritonavir, a key component of Paxlovid. Alexander Tin, CBS News, 21 July 2022 Excess liver glucose can trigger production of fat, and possibly increase cholesterol production. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 14 July 2022 See More
Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 31 Aug. 2022 Plus, studies show that eating nutrient-dense foods low in calories, sodium, and cholesterol significantly lowers the risk of heart disease and boosts mood and energy levels (talk about a win-win!). Kelsey Ogletree, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2022 Raw vegetables supply the satisfying crunch along with fiber, which promotes healthy digestion, reduces cholesterol and lowers blood sugar levels. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 20 Aug. 2022 Simpler still, an average healthy individual could share biometric data such as cholesterol or enzyme levels with their doctor remotely, eliminating the need to travel to their primary care physician’s office for an annual blood panel. Ron Erickson, Forbes, 8 Aug. 2022 Studies have shown that pinto beans can even lower LDL and HDL cholesterol. Cate Geiger Kalus, Country Living, 8 Aug. 2022 One key genetic pathway is APOE ε4, a gene variant responsible for encoding proteins that carry cholesterol in the brain. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 31 July 2022 Several commonly used drugs, like the cholesterol drug rosuvastatin or the seasonal allergy spray fluticasone, also risk potentially dangerous interactions with ritonavir, a key component of Paxlovid. Alexander Tin, CBS News, 21 July 2022 Excess liver glucose can trigger production of fat, and possibly increase cholesterol production. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 14 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary, from chol- + Greek stereos solid
First Known Use
1894, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing cholesterol
Medical Definition
cholesterol
noun
cho·les·ter·ol kə-ˈles-tə-ˌrōl, -ˌrȯl
: a steroid alcohol C27H45OH that is present in animal cells and body fluids, regulates membrane fluidity, functions as a precursor molecule in various metabolic pathways, and as a constituent of LDL may cause atherosclerosis
Cholesterol is a lipid present in the cell membrane and subcellular organelles of tissues throughout the body. … In addition, cholesterol serves as the building block for all steroid hormones including cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen, and testosterone. Sarah de Ferranti and David S. Ludwig, The New England Journal of Medicine
Sarah de Ferranti and David S. Ludwig, The New England Journal of Medicine… the drug reduces the production of cholesterol in the liver, decreasing the amount of artery-clogging cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream. Newsweek
Newsweek