high-density lipoprotein: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (technical term)Formal, Medical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “high-density lipoprotein” mean?
A type of lipoprotein in the blood that transports cholesterol from tissues to the liver for excretion, often called 'good cholesterol'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of lipoprotein in the blood that transports cholesterol from tissues to the liver for excretion, often called 'good cholesterol'.
A complex particle composed of proteins and lipids that functions in reverse cholesterol transport and is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in term usage or meaning. Pronunciation differs slightly in stress patterns (see IPA). The abbreviation 'HDL' is universally used.
Connotations
Purely technical/medical connotations in both varieties. Associated with health screening and cardiology.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general discourse, but standard in medical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “high-density lipoprotein” in a Sentence
have + a/an + ADJ + level of high-density lipoproteinmeasure + (the) high-density lipoprotein + in + NPVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high-density lipoprotein” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- HDL-deficient patients
- an HDL-raising drug
American English
- HDL-deficient patients
- an HDL-raising medication
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in pharmaceutical or health insurance reports.
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and public health research papers.
Everyday
Used in doctor-patient conversations about cholesterol results.
Technical
Standard term in clinical medicine, biochemistry, and cardiology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “high-density lipoprotein”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “high-density lipoprotein”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high-density lipoprotein”
- Using 'high-density' as a standalone adjective for other nouns (e.g., 'high-density material'). Confusing HDL with LDL in speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is considered 'good cholesterol' because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream, reducing cardiovascular risk.
For men, a level above 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) is desirable; for women, above 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L). Higher levels are generally better.
Yes, through regular aerobic exercise, healthy fats (like olive oil and avocados), quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Generally yes, but very high levels in certain genetic conditions may not offer extra benefit, and the functionality of HDL particles can sometimes be as important as the quantity.
A type of lipoprotein in the blood that transports cholesterol from tissues to the liver for excretion, often called 'good cholesterol'.
High-density lipoprotein is usually formal, medical/scientific in register.
High-density lipoprotein: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈden.sɪ.ti ˌlɪ.pəʊˈprəʊ.tiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈden.sə.t̬i ˌlɪ.poʊˈproʊ.tiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The 'good' in your cholesterol profile (refers to HDL)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HDL is the 'Healthy' Density Lipoprotein. Or: High Density = High Demand (your body demands it for health).
Conceptual Metaphor
HDL is a 'garbage truck' collecting waste cholesterol from arteries. / HDL is a 'protective shield' for the heart.
Practice
Quiz
What is high-density lipoprotein commonly known as?