sterol

noun

ste·​rol ˈstir-ˌȯl How to pronounce sterol (audio)
ˈster-,
-ˌōl How to pronounce sterol (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 But in older rocks, remains of sterols seemed to be missing. Bygretchen Vogel, science.org, 7 June 2023 Some foods that may be fortified with plant sterols and stanols include:9 Bread Cheese Margarine Milk Orange juice Read each product's label to find out the appropriate serving size. 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sterol was in 1913

Dictionary Entries Near sterol

Cite this Entry

“Sterol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterol. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

sterol

noun
ste·​rol ˈsti(ə)r-ˌȯl How to pronounce sterol (audio) ˈste(ə)r- How to pronounce sterol (audio)
-ˌōl
: any of various solid steroid alcohols (as cholesterol) widely distributed in animal and plant lipids

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