n.
Pronunciation: k ə - ' les-t ə - ˌ r ō l, - ˌ ro ̇ l
Function: noun
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary, from chol- + Greek stereos solid
Date: 1894
: a steroid alcohol C 27 H 45 OH that is present in animal cells and body fluids, regulates membrane fluidity, and functions as a precursor molecule in various metabolic pathways and as a constituent of LDL may cause arteriosclerosis ― compare BAD CHOLESTEROL , GOOD CHOLESTEROL