rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycholesterolWaxy substance in the body
noun

cholesterol

kuh-LES-ter-awl/kəˈlestərɔːl/

A waxy, fatlike substance in blood and animal tissues.

The diagram shows cholesterol within an animal cell membrane.

Schematic fatty particles in blood and membrane inset.
Etymology
choleGreekbile
+sterGreeksolid, stiff
+olEnglishalcohol

The “bile” and “solid” components recall cholesterol’s discovery in gallstones, rather than its presence throughout the body. The ending -ol identifies it chemically as an alcohol.

In context

The Doctor's Kitchen0:54
having oats in your daily diet can lower your blood cholesterol.
Before You Eat Oats: The Best & Worst Types To Eat For Longevity | Dr. Rupy Aujla

More examples

  • The study measured cholesterol.
  • She read about cholesterol transport.
  • The report discussed blood cholesterol.

Forms

cholesterol