First Known Use: 1987
Dictionary
lovastatin
noun lov·a·stat·in \ˈlō-və-ˌsta-tən, ˈlə-; ˌlō-və-ˈ, ˌlə-\
Definition of LOVASTATIN
: a drug C24H36O8 that decreases the level of cholesterol in the bloodstream
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of LOVASTATIN
probably from International Scientific Vocabulary mevalonic acid, a carboxylic acid, C6H12O4 (from methyl + valeric + -onic — as in gluconic acid) + mevastatin, a fungal metabolite structurally similar to lovastatin, from mevalonic + -stat + 1-in
Medical Dictionary
lovastatin
noun lov·a·stat·in \ˈlō-və-ˌstat-ən, ˈləv-ə-\
Medical Definition of LOVASTATIN
: a statin C24H36O8 that decreases the level of cholesterol in the bloodstream by inhibiting the liver enzyme that controls cholesterol synthesis and is used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia—see mevacor
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: lovatPrevious Word in the Dictionary: lovage oilAll Words Near: lovastatin
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up lovastatin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).