statin

noun

stat·​in ˈsta-tᵊn 

: any of a group of drugs (such as lovastatin and simvastatin) that inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol and promote the production of LDL-binding receptors in the liver resulting in a usually marked decrease in the level of LDL and a modest increase in the level of HDL circulating in blood plasma

Examples of statin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

People with heart failure often take diuretics, beta-blockers, or statins to help prevent the condition from progressing. —Sarah Hudgens, Health, 12 Dec. 2024

What happened is the statins revealed an underlying weakness in your liver because of your drinking. —Ayad Akhtar, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2024

Consuming vitamin C-rich foods is generally safe, but supplementation may be risky for those taking statins or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 3 Dec. 2024

Ni added that muscle cramps from statins usually subside within a few weeks. —Korin Miller, Verywell Health, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from -statin (as in lovastatin)

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

statin

noun

stat·​in ˈstat-ᵊn 

: any of a group of lipid-lowering drugs (as lovastatin and simvastatin) that function by inhibiting a liver enzyme which controls the synthesis of cholesterol and by promoting the production of LDL-binding receptors in the liver resulting in a usually marked decrease in the level of LDL and a modest increase in the level of HDL circulating in blood plasma