noun
Uncommon
cholesterol
kuh-LEHS-tuh-rol
Cholesterol (noun) means a fat-like substance made by the liver and carried in the blood, needed by cells but linked to heart disease at high levels. Example: “Her doctor advised her to eat less fried food to lower her cholesterol.”
noun
1
A fat-like substance made by the liver and carried in the blood, needed by cells but linked to heart disease at high levels.
"Her doctor advised her to eat less fried food to lower her cholesterol."
"High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart attacks over time."
"The nurse explained that oats can help keep your cholesterol under control."
How to use cholesterol
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA substance in the blood that the body needs in moderation but which causes health problems in excess.
Common pairings
high cholesterol
lower cholesterol
cholesterol levels
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Word forms
- Plural
- cholesterols
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Her doctor advised her to eat less fried food to lower her _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from French cholestérol, built from Greek kholē ("bile") and stereos ("solid") — first identified in gallstones.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for cholesterol
See all rhymes for cholesterol →Frequently asked questions
What does “cholesterol” mean?
The word “cholesterol” means a fat-like substance made by the liver and carried in the blood, needed by cells but linked to heart disease at high levels. In plain terms, a substance in the blood that the body needs in moderation but which causes health problems in excess.
How do you pronounce “cholesterol”?
“Cholesterol” is pronounced kuh-LEHS-tuh-rol (/kəˈlɛstəɹɒl/ in IPA).
How do you use “cholesterol” in a sentence?
Here is “cholesterol” used in a sentence: “Her doctor advised her to eat less fried food to lower her cholesterol.”
What part of speech is “cholesterol”?
“Cholesterol” is a noun.
Where does the word “cholesterol” come from?
The word “cholesterol” comes from French. Borrowed from French cholestérol, built from Greek kholē ("bile") and stereos ("solid") — first identified in gallstones.
Is “cholesterol” a common word?
“Cholesterol” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Is cholesterol always bad for your health?
No, cholesterol is a substance the body needs for cells to function properly, and the liver produces it naturally. Problems arise only when levels in the blood become too high, which is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
What is the difference between cholesterol and fat?
Cholesterol is described as a fat-like substance rather than a true fat, and it is made by the liver and carried through the blood. Dietary fat, by contrast, is a nutrient found in food, though eating certain fats can influence how much cholesterol the body produces and carries.
Why is high cholesterol considered a health risk?
High cholesterol is linked to heart disease because excess cholesterol in the blood is associated with damage to blood vessels over time. This is why blood cholesterol levels are commonly monitored as part of routine health checks.
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