statin

noun stat·in \ˈsta-t^ən\

Definition of STATIN

: any of a group of drugs (as lovastatin and simvastatin) that inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol and promote the production of LDL-binding receptors in the liver resulting in a usually marked decrease in the level of LDL and a modest increase in the level of HDL circulating in blood plasma

Origin of STATIN

from -statin (as in lovastatin)

First Known Use: 1986

Rhymes with STATIN

batten, fatten, flatten, gratin, Grattan, Latin, latten, matin, paten, patten, Patton, platan, platen, ratton, satin

Medical Dictionary

statin

noun stat·in \ˈstat-^ən\

Medical Definition of STATIN

: any of a group of lipid-lowering drugs (as lovastatin and simvastatin) that function by inhibiting a liver enzyme which controls the synthesis of cholesterol and by promoting the production of LDL-binding receptors in the liver resulting in a usually marked decrease in the level of LDL and a modest increase in the level of HDL circulating in blood plasma