cholesterol

noun cho·les·ter·ol \kə-ˈles-tə-ˌrōl, -ˌrȯl\

: a substance that is found in the bodies of people and animals

Full Definition of CHOLESTEROL

: a steroid alcohol C₂₇H₄₅OH that is present in animal cells and body fluids, regulates membrane fluidity, and functions as a precursor molecule in various metabolic pathways and as a constituent of LDL may cause atherosclerosis — compare bad cholesterol, good cholesterol

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Origin of CHOLESTEROL

International Scientific Vocabulary, from chol- + Greek stereos solid

First Known Use: 1894

Other Biochemistry Terms

bile, biodegradable, capsaicin, keratin, metabolism

Rhymes with CHOLESTEROL

Costa del Sol, hole-in-the-wall, Mariupol', medicine ball, Neanderthal, Sevastopol, total recall, Transalpine Gaul, Vincent de Paul

Medical Dictionary

cholesterol

noun cho·les·ter·ol \kə-ˈles-tə-ˌrōl, -ˌrȯl\

Medical Definition of CHOLESTEROL

: a steroid alcohol C₂₇H₄₅OH present in animal cells and body fluids that regulates membrane fluidity, functions as a precursor molecule in various metabolic pathways, and as a constituent of LDL may cause arteriosclerosis