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.
/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)
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 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
(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 [(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.)

Read Also:

  • Cholesterol embolism

    cholesterol embolism n. An embolism of lipid debris from an ulcerated atheromatous deposit, generally from a large artery to small arterial branches. Also called atheroembolism.

  • Cholesterolemia

    [kuh-les-ter-uh-lee-mee-uh] /kəˌlɛs tər əˈli mi ə/ noun, Pathology. 1. the presence of an abnormal amount of in the blood. cholesterolemia cho·les·ter·ol·e·mi·a (kə-lěs’tər-ə-lē’mē-ə) or cho·les·ter·e·mi·a (kə-lěs’tə-rē’mē-ə) n. The presence of elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood.

  • Cholesterolosis

    cholesterolosis cho·les·ter·ol·o·sis (kə-lěs’tər-ə-lō’sĭs) or cho·les·ter·o·sis (kə-lěs’tə-rō’sĭs) n. A condition marked by abnormal deposition of cholesterol, as in tissues or blood vessels.

  • Cholesteroluria

    cholesteroluria cho·les·ter·ol·u·ri·a (kə-lěs’tər-ə-lur’ē-ə, -tə-rôl’-lyur’-) n. Excretion of cholesterol in the urine.

  • Cholestyramine

    cholestyramine cho·le·styr·a·mine (kō’lĭ-stēr’ə-mēn’, kō-lěs’tə-rām’ēn) n. A drug used to lower serum cholesterol levels and treat itching associated with jaundice through its ability to promote excretion of bile acids.


Disclaimer: Cholesterol definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.