sterol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/TechnicalTechnical/Scientific (Biochemistry, Nutrition, Medicine)
Quick answer
What does “sterol” mean?
Any of a group of solid, mostly unsaturated, polycyclic alcohols, such as cholesterol, found in plant and animal tissues.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any of a group of solid, mostly unsaturated, polycyclic alcohols, such as cholesterol, found in plant and animal tissues.
In biochemistry and nutrition, a vital class of lipids that serve as precursors for steroid hormones, bile acids, and Vitamin D. They are essential structural components of cell membranes, regulating their fluidity and permeability.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency outside scientific contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “sterol” in a Sentence
The [noun] contains a high level of sterols.[Noun] is a sterol found in [source].The biosynthesis of sterols is a complex process.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sterol” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sterol composition of the sample was analysed.
- It has a unique sterol profile.
American English
- The sterol analysis was completed in the lab.
- We studied the sterol metabolism pathway.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of functional foods, supplements, and pharmaceutical industries (e.g., 'plant sterol-enriched margarine').
Academic
Core term in biochemistry, molecular biology, and nutritional science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually unused in everyday conversation except in simplified health contexts discussing 'plant sterols' for lowering cholesterol.
Technical
Precise term for a class of organic molecules with a specific 4-ring carbon structure and a hydroxyl group.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sterol”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sterol”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sterol”
- Using 'sterol' and 'cholesterol' interchangeably (cholesterol is one specific sterol).
- Pronouncing it as /ˈsteərəl/ (like 'star').
- Treating it as a countable noun in a general sense (e.g., 'a sterol' is odd; better: 'a type of sterol' or 'sterols').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, cholesterol is the most well-known and abundant sterol in animal tissues.
A sterol is a specific type of steroid that has a hydroxyl (-OH) group at the 3-position of the A-ring. All sterols are steroids, but not all steroids (e.g., testosterone, cortisol) are sterols.
Yes. Plant sterols are called phytosterols (e.g., beta-sitosterol, campesterol) and have a structure similar to cholesterol.
Yes, the liver synthesises cholesterol, which is an essential sterol. However, the body cannot produce phytosterols, which are obtained from the diet.
Any of a group of solid, mostly unsaturated, polycyclic alcohols, such as cholesterol, found in plant and animal tissues.
Sterol is usually technical/scientific (biochemistry, nutrition, medicine) in register.
Sterol: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪərɒl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪrɔːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: STERoid + alcohOL = STEROL. It's the alcohol form found in steroids.
Conceptual Metaphor
BUILDING BLOCK/CONSTITUENT (Sterols are fundamental structural constituents of cellular architecture and hormonal precursors.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary structural role of sterols in biological systems?