Cholesterol Meaning
/kəˈlɛstəɹɒl/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA sterol lipid synthesized by the liver and transported in the bloodstream to the membranes of all animal cells; it plays a central role in many biochemical processes and, as a lipoprotein that coats the walls of blood vessels, is associated with cardiovascular disease.
nounThe level of cholesterol in the body.
Sentence Examples
My cholesterol levels are high.
My cholesterol is high.
Scientists have established a connection between cholesterol levels and heart disease.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Doctors warned him that high ____ could lead to heart disease.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
High levels of ____ in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰelh₃- Proto-Hellenic *kʰolā́ Ancient Greek χολή (kholḗ) Proto-Indo-European *ster-der. Ancient Greek στερεός (stereós) French cholestérine French cholestérolbor. English cholesterol Borrowed from French cholestérol.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"As we age, the major arteries of our bodies frequently become thickened with plaque, a fatty material with an oatmeal-like consistency that builds up along the inner lining of blood vessels. The reason plaque forms isn’t entirely known, but it seems to be related to high levels of cholesterol inducing an inflammatory response, which can also attract and trap more cellular debris over time."
— 2013 July-August, Stephen P. Lownie, David M. Pelz, “Stents to Prevent Stroke”, in American Scientist:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Doctors warned him that high ____ could lead to heart disease.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
High levels of ____ in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease.