cholesterol

American  

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

Also cholesterin

noun

Biochemistry.

• cholesterols
  plural

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.

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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

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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

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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.)

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• cholesterols
  plural

Etymology

Origin of cholesterol

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

Explanation

Cholesterol is a naturally-occurring steroid found in animal tissues. It's important for healthy cell membranes and other functions, but its waxy makeup makes it a danger as a high concentration could build up and block arteries. Cholesterol is a product of the liver, excreted through bile into the digestive tract. The first notice of cholesterol was in 1769, when a French researcher found it in gallstones. Then, in the early 19th Century the chemical was named "cholestrine," from the Greek words for bile (chole) and solids (stereos), plus the chemical suffix -ol. Scientists have noted the role of cholesterol in heart attacks and other health problems, a situation that can be regulated through diet or medications.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cholesterol cholesterols

Beginning in the mid-20th century, studies pinned the blame on risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 12, 2026

Cells use LDL receptors to capture LDL cholesterol circulating in the blood.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 10, 2026

Now, researchers from the University of Barcelona and the University of Oregon have developed an experimental strategy that could offer a new way to bring cholesterol levels down.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 10, 2026

Both reduced PCSK9 RNA and protein while increasing levels of LDLR, the receptor that helps cells take up LDL cholesterol.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 10, 2026

Phoebe said, “It was probably because of all that cholesterol sitting heavily on their stomachs.”

From "Walk Two Moons" by Sharon Creech

"So it can actually be part of a healthy diet and reduce the bad cholesterols."

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2025

The fluidity of the membrane affects passive transport, and the incorporation of other molecules in the membrane, in particular cholesterols, has a strong effect on its fluidity.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

Its more like injecting good cholesterols to fight off bad ones in your body.

From The Guardian ● Apr. 6, 2011

Cuto-celluloses predominate in the protective coatings of plant organs, and are characterized by constituent groups, the decomposition products of which are compounds of the fatty series, and also wax alcohols, acids, cholesterols, &c.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various