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

Millions fewer people may need statins Statins are widely used to lower cholesterol levels, but a new analysis suggests that many fewer Americans may actually need these drugs — as many as 40% fewer than what current guidelines suggest. —Elaine Chen, STAT, 11 June 2024

In the 1980s, statins emerged as a powerful treatment for high cholesterol, and excitement then mounted about their additional benefits on kidney disease and cognitive decline. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 11 June 2024

Hazen hopes this early work will seed additional studies that could eventually lead to a test for xylitol and erythritol levels, and even a drug treatment similar to the statins that address cholesterol. —Alice Park, TIME, 6 June 2024

The new research also found that women are less likely to be prescribed both statins and ezetimibe, another cholesterol-lowering drug if statins alone aren’t helping. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 31 May 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