cholesterol

[ kuh-les-tuh-rohl, -rawl ]

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

/ kəˈlɛstəˌrɒl /

noun

1. 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 Former namecholesterinkəˈlɛstərɪn

cholesterol

/ 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

cholesterol

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.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of cholesterol¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cholesterol¹

C19: from chole- + Greek stereos hard, solid, so called because first observed in gallstones

Example Sentences

Systematic reviews have shown green tea leads to weight loss in people with obesity, lower levels of certain types of cholesterol, and reduced blood pressure.

From Salon

In the early days of blood-pressure-lowering medicines or statins to reduce cholesterol, they were expensive and given to the few who would benefit the most.

From BBC

The checks will also record key information including smoking status; family history of coronary heart disease; and cholesterol level.

From BBC

Saturated fats – which increase our blood cholesterol levels, a risk factor for heart disease – went down.

From Salon

As humans age, a build-up of fats, cholesterol and other substances can make arteries thicken or harden, causing atherosclerosis.

From BBC