cholesterol

[kuh-les-tuh-rohl, -rawl] /kəˈlɛs təˌroʊl, -ˌrɔl/
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.
Also, cholesterin
[kuh-les-ter-in] /kəˈlɛs tər ɪn/ (Show IPA).
Origin
1890-95; chole- + Greek ster(eós) solid + -ol1
Examples from the web for cholesterol
  • Dozens of measures, individually or together, can help to lower cholesterol.
  • High cholesterol is endemic and contributes to strokes and heart attacks.
  • Studies have found this leads to lower fat storage and lower cholesterol levels, among other benefits.
  • Not to mention the levels of fat and cholesterol that come with meat that causes heart disease and obesity.
  • The arms of this figure are made from cholesterol derivatives.
  • cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in all parts of the body.
  • Kangaroo is supposed to be low in cholesterol or something.
  • We've heard dire warnings of the long-term effects of taking in too much fat or salt or cholesterol.
  • From the patient's perspective, measurement of cholesterol and other blood fats is one of the simplest of medical tests.
  • People are consuming more of the stuff because of the related health benefits, such as lower cholesterol.
British Dictionary definitions for cholesterol

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: C27H45OH Former name cholesterin (kəˈlɛstərɪn)
Word Origin
C19: from chole- + Greek stereos hard, solid, so called because first observed in gallstones
Word Origin and History for cholesterol
n.

white, solid substance present in body tissues, 1894, earlier cholesterin, from French cholestrine (Chevreul, 1827), from Greek khole "bile" (see cholera) + steros "solid, stiff" (see sterility). So called because originally found in gallstones (Conradi, 1775). The name was changed to the modern form (with chemical suffix -ol, denoting an alcohol) after the compound was discovered to be a secondary alcohol.

cholesterol in Medicine

cholesterol cho·les·ter·ol (kə-lěs'tə-rôl', -rōl')
n.
A white crystalline substance found in animal tissues and various foods, normally synthesized by the liver and important as a constituent of cell membranes and a precursor to steroid hormones. Its level in the bloodstream can influence the pathogenesis of certain conditions, such as the development of atherosclerotic plaque and coronary artery disease.

cholesterol in Science
cholesterol
(kə-lěs'tə-rôl')
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 D2, 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: C27H46O. See also high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein.

cholesterol in Culture
cholesterol [(kuh-les-tuh-rawl, kuh-les-tuh-rohl)]

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.)