cholesterol
Syllabification: (cho·les·ter·ol)
Pronunciation: /kəˈlestəˌrôl, -ˌrōl/
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Definition of cholesterol
noun
- a compound of the sterol type found in most body tissues, including the blood and the nerves. Cholesterol and its derivatives are important constituents of cell membranes and precursors of other steroid compounds, but high concentrations in the blood (mainly derived from animal fats in the diet) are thought to promote atherosclerosis.
- Chemical formula: C27H45OH
Origin:
late 19th century: from Greek kholē 'bile' + stereos 'stiff' + -ol