cholesterol

American  

[kuh-les-tuh-rohl, -rawl] / kəˈlɛs təˌroʊl, -ˌrɔl /

Also cholesterin

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a sterol, C 27 H 46 O, that occurs in all animal tissues, especially in the brain, spinal cord, and adipose tissue, functioning chiefly as a protective agent in the skin and myelin sheaths of nerve cells, a detoxifier in the bloodstream, and as a precursor of many steroids: deposits of cholesterol form in certain pathological conditions, as gallstones and atherosclerotic plaques.

2. the commercial form of this compound, obtained from the spinal cord of cattle, used chiefly as an emulsifying agent in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and in the synthesis of vitamin D.

---

cholesterol British  

/ kəˈlɛstəˌrɒl /

noun

1. Former name: cholesterin.  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: C 27 H 45 OH

---

cholesterol Scientific  

/ kə-lĕs′tə-rôl′ /

1. A sterol found widely in animal and plant tissues. It is a main component of blood plasma and cell membranes, and it is an important precursor of many steroid hormones (such as the estrogens, testosterone, and cortisol), vitamin D ₂, and bile acids. In vertebrates, cholesterol is manufactured by the liver or absorbed from food in the intestine. Higher than normal amounts of cholesterol in the blood are associated with higher risk for developing coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis. Chemical formula: C ₂₇ H ₄₆ O.

2. See also high-density lipoprotein low-density lipoprotein

---

cholesterol Cultural  

1. A white soapy substance found in the tissues of the body and in certain foods, such as animal fats, oils, and egg yolks. Cholesterol has been linked to heart disease and atherosclerosis. (It collects on the walls of arteries and interferes with the flow of blood.) High levels of cholesterol in the blood are considered to be unhealthy. (See saturated fats, HDL, and LDL.)

---

Etymology

Origin of cholesterol

First recorded in 1890–95; chole- + Greek ster(eós) “solid” ( stereo- ) + -ol ¹

Example Sentences

Medicines eligible for refill include statins for high cholesterol, blood-pressure medications and contraceptives.

From The Wall Street Journal

For decades, scientists have understood that LDL cholesterol plays a central role in cardiovascular disease.

From Science Daily

The Association has also reported that higher inflammation levels are linked to increased heart disease risk, even in people with normal cholesterol levels.

From Science Daily

The condition is caused by the buildup of plaque — meaning fats, cholesterol and other substances — in and on the artery walls, which can lead to events such as heart attacks, strokes and aneurysms.

From Los Angeles Times

There are now new guidelines, which were published Friday by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, that will change how we think about cardiovascular disease prevention — and specifically cholesterol.

From MarketWatch