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.

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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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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

Chanel Robinson achieved exactly what the gold rush of blockbuster weight-loss drugs promised: She lost nearly 100 pounds, lowered her cholesterol to normal levels and reined in her polycystic ovary syndrome.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

These included measurements such as cholesterol, insulin, and C-reactive protein levels.

From Science Daily • May 12, 2026

Unlike protein — the other major trend the food industry is trying to cash in on — Americans generally don’t get enough fiber, which can aid digestive health and help cut cholesterol.

From MarketWatch • May 10, 2026

At the start of treatment, after three months, and again after one year, the team recorded body weight, body composition, dietary habits, blood glucose levels, cholesterol, and other health markers.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2026

He had quit drinking and smoking, but had high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times