cholesterol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Semi-formal to formal; common in medical, health, and everyday wellness contexts.
Quick answer
What does “cholesterol” mean?
A waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body, essential for building cell membranes and producing certain hormones, but potentially harmful in excess.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body, essential for building cell membranes and producing certain hormones, but potentially harmful in excess.
By extension, it is used to refer to the levels of this substance in the blood, particularly in the context of health, diet, and medical risk factors for heart disease.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and pronunciation differ; the final 'o' sound is more pronounced in American English. Terminology for related foods (e.g., 'grill' vs. 'broil') may vary in dietary advice.
Connotations
Identical negative health connotations in both varieties. 'High cholesterol' is a common collocation.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties due to global health discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “cholesterol” in a Sentence
have + cholesterol (e.g., He has high cholesterol.)lower/reduce + cholesterolmeasure/check + cholesterol levelsbe high/low in cholesterolVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cholesterol” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verb form.
American English
- No standard verb form.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form. Use 'cholesterol-related' or 'high-cholesterol' as a compound modifier.
American English
- No standard adjective form. Use 'cholesterol-free' or 'low-cholesterol' as a compound modifier.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In marketing for 'cholesterol-lowering' foods (e.g., spreads, oats) or pharmaceuticals.
Academic
In biochemistry, nutrition, and medical research papers discussing cardiovascular risk factors.
Everyday
In discussions about diet, health check-ups, and family medical history.
Technical
In clinical settings, specifying HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels in a lipid panel.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cholesterol”
- Mispronouncing the first 'ch' as /tʃ/ (like 'chair') instead of /k/.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'He has many cholestersols') instead of an uncountable one.
- Confusing 'cholesterol' (the substance) with 'arterial plaque' (the build-up it can cause).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The body needs cholesterol to function. The key is the balance between 'bad' LDL (which can build up in arteries) and 'good' HDL (which helps remove it).
Dietary cholesterol comes from animal foods you eat. Blood cholesterol is the cholesterol circulating in your bloodstream, which is produced by your liver and influenced by your diet and genetics.
Yes. While diet is a major factor, genetics (familial hypercholesterolemia) play a significant role. Some people have a genetic predisposition to produce high levels of cholesterol internally.
Lifestyle changes include a diet low in saturated/trans fats and high in fibre, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. Doctors may also prescribe statins or other lipid-lowering medications.
A waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body, essential for building cell membranes and producing certain hormones, but potentially harmful in excess.
Cholesterol is usually semi-formal to formal; common in medical, health, and everyday wellness contexts. in register.
Cholesterol: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈlɛstərɒl/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈlɛstəˌrɔːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly, but phrases like 'a ticking time bomb' are metaphorically applied to high cholesterol.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHOLE' (like in gallbladder/bile) + 'STEROL' (a type of chemical). It's the sterol that can cause trouble.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEALTH IS CLEANLINESS / BLOCKAGES ARE BAD. Cholesterol is often framed as 'clogging' or 'furring up' arteries like limescale in a pipe.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is often called 'good cholesterol'?