sterol

noun

ste·​rol ˈstir-ˌȯl 

ˈster-,

-ˌōl 

: any of various solid steroid alcohols (such as cholesterol) widely distributed in animal and plant lipids

Examples of sterol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Furthermore, thanks to an infusion of acai berry sterols, the product helps replenish the skin’s natural cholesterol, which contributes to a softer, more moisturized complexion. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 24 Jan. 2025

Social media influencers also push high-tech sounding pills like CoQ10 or plant sterols to their followers. —Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024

As a familiar ingredient in Black households, coconut oil has no cholesterol or fiber and a small amount of nutrients, like lauric acid and plant sterols. —Essence, 28 June 2024

Its particles are a mixture of fatty substances and surface starch, and contain proteins, sterols and enzymes which all aid the hair in unique ways. —Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 25 June 2024

The rays hit sterol compounds, found in the cells of plants, animals and fungi, and start a conversion process. —Christie Aschwanden, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2024

Why would sterols become more complicated over time? —Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 23 Oct. 2023

Whatever the reason, the sterol shift was evolutionarily significant. —Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 23 Oct. 2023

Fortified Foods Plant sterols and stanols, which help reduce LDL cholesterol, are naturally present in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes. —Cynthia Sass, Mph, Rd, Health, 20 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from -sterol (as in cholesterol)

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sterol

• beryl
• feral
• karel
• peril
• seral
• sterile
• carbaryl
• glyceryl
• imperil
• cholesteryl
• sitosterol
• tocopherol

Medical Definition

sterol

noun

ste·​rol ˈsti(ə)r-ˌȯl  ˈste(ə)r- 

-ˌōl

: any of various solid steroid alcohols (as cholesterol) widely distributed in animal and plant lipids