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

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

These statins include: Crestor (rosuvastatin)4 Fluvastatin Pravastatin 2. —Ross Phan, Pharmd, Bcacp, Bcgp, Bcps, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 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