HDL

noun

ˌāch-(ˌ)dē-ˈel 

: a lipoprotein of blood plasma that is composed of a high proportion of protein with little triglyceride and cholesterol and that is correlated with reduced risk of atherosclerosis : good cholesterol compare ldl

Examples of HDL in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Advocate Live Will Mobile also will provide free cholesterol, HDL, LDL, glucose and blood pressure screenings, and the March for Meg 5K walk begins at 11 a.m. —Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025

However, this study demonstrates that high levels of HDL cholesterol are not consistently associated with a favorable prognostic outcome. —Paul McClure 05, New Atlas, 5 Feb. 2025

Giving up three or more drinks per day led to an LDL increase of 6.53 mg/dL and a drop in HDL of 5.65. —Ars Technica, 12 Mar. 2025

However, people with dementia had greater increases HDL cholesterol levels, specifically between 11 and four years prior to their diagnosis.1 How Are Weight Loss and Dementia Linked? —Cathy Nelson, Health, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

high-density lipoprotein

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

HDL

noun

ˈāch-ˈdē-ˈel 

: a lipoprotein of blood plasma that is composed of a high proportion of protein with little triglyceride and cholesterol and that is associated with decreased probability of developing atherosclerosis

called also alpha-lipoprotein, good cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein

compare ldl, vldl