cholesterol
noun
cho·les·ter·ol
kə-ˈle-stə-ˌrȯl 
-ˌrōl
: a waxy, fat-like substance C27H46O that is found in the cells, tissues, and body fluids of humans and animals and that serves as a component of cell membranes and functions as a precursor of vitamin D and steroid hormones (such as cortisol and estrogen)
Note: Cholesterol is produced primarily in the liver and is also derived from dietary sources (such as meat, eggs, and dairy products). It is carried in the bloodstream in the form of lipoproteins, and as a constituent of LDL it may contribute to arterial plaque formation leading to atherosclerosis.
The liver uses cholesterol to produce bile acids, which emulsify fats in the small intestine so they can be more readily absorbed and digested.—
Deane Morrison
Deane MorrisonDoctors use statins to treat high cholesterol in patients whose condition has not responded to a treatment of dietary changes.—Joseph Gerstein
Joseph GersteinIn many cases, the flow of oxygen-bearing blood is hindered by a buildup of cholesterol in the coronary arteries …—Michael Waldholz et al.
Michael Waldholz et al.Despite being much maligned in the popular press, cholesterol plays a crucial role in organizing cell membranes and controlling their physical properties.—Amanda Yarnell
see also bad cholesterol, good cholesterol
Amanda YarnellExamples of cholesterol in a Sentence
Did your doctor check your cholesterol?
Recent Examples on the Web
According to Mayo Clinic, atherosclerosis involves the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances − also known as plaque − in the arteries.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Key Takeaways Oatmeal is higher in soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar.
—Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 4 May 2026
Mosquitoes are drawn to lactic acid, ammonia and uric acid in perspiration, USA Today notes, along with skin concentrations of steroids, cholesterol and carboxylic acids.
—Ryan Brennan
may 1, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
Risk factors include a family history of the disease, being older than 45, carrying excess weight, exercising fewer than three times a week, a history of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, prediabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
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Charles Trepany, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Key Takeaways Oatmeal is higher in soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar.
—Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 4 May 2026
Mosquitoes are drawn to lactic acid, ammonia and uric acid in perspiration, USA Today notes, along with skin concentrations of steroids, cholesterol and carboxylic acids.
—Ryan Brennan
may 1, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
Risk factors include a family history of the disease, being older than 45, carrying excess weight, exercising fewer than three times a week, a history of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, prediabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cholesterol
Cite this Entry
“Cholesterol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cholesterol. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cholesterol
noun
cho·les·ter·ol
kə-ˈles-tə-ˌrōl
-ˌrȯl
: a waxy substance that is present in animal cells and tissues, is important in bodily processes, and may be related to the abnormal thickening and hardening of arteries when too much is present
Medical Definition
cholesterol
noun
cho·les·ter·ol
kə-ˈles-tə-ˌrōl, -ˌrȯl
: a waxy, fat-like steroid alcohol C27H46O that is found in the cells, tissues, and body fluids of humans and animals, serves as a component of cell membranes and functions as a precursor of vitamin D and steroid hormones, and as a constituent of LDL may contribute to arterial plaque formation leading to atherosclerosis
Note: Cholesterol is produced primarily in the liver and is also derived from dietary sources (such as meat, eggs, and dairy products). It is carried in the bloodstream in the form of lipoproteins.
Cholesterol is a lipid present in the cell membrane and subcellular organelles of tissues throughout the body. … In addition, cholesterol serves as the building block for all steroid hormones including cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen, and testosterone.—Sarah de Ferranti and David S. Ludwig, The New England Journal of Medicine
Sarah de Ferranti and David S. Ludwig, The New England Journal of Medicine… the drug reduces the production of cholesterol in the liver, decreasing the amount of artery-clogging cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream.—Newsweek
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