How Do You Spell STEROLS?

Pronunciation: [stˈɛɹɒlz] (IPA)

The word "Sterols" is spelled as /ˈstɛrɔlz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The initial sound /st/ is followed by the vowel /ɛ/ as in "bed." The subsequent consonant cluster of /r/ and /ɔ/ as in "more" are then present. The final sound of /lz/ is pronounced with the voiced alveolar lateral fricative /z/. Sterols are a class of lipids that are important for various functions in the body, such as maintaining cell membrane structure and serving as a precursor for the synthesis of hormones.

STEROLS Meaning and Definition

1. Sterols refer to a diverse group of naturally occurring lipids, characterized by a specific chemical structure consisting of a steroid nucleus. These compounds are widely distributed in the animal and plant kingdoms and play essential roles in various biological processes. Sterols are composed of a four-ring structure known as the cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene structure and contain a specific side chain attached to one of the rings.

   In animals, the most common sterol is cholesterol, which plays crucial roles in cell membrane integrity, hormone production, and vitamin D synthesis. Cholesterol is also involved in bile acid synthesis, facilitating the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Additionally, cholesterol is a precursor for the synthesis of various steroid hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol.

   In plants, the principal sterol is called phytosterols, and the most abundant form is β-sitosterol. These plant sterols have similar chemical structures to cholesterol and are found in various plant-derived foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. While humans cannot synthesize phytosterols, they can be obtained through diet.

   Sterols have gained significant attention due to their potential health benefits. They have been linked to the reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood, thus lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Due to their structural similarity to cholesterol, plant sterols can compete for absorption in the intestine, leading to reduced cholesterol uptake from the diet. Consequently, incorporating sterol-enriched foods or supplements can act as an effective strategy for managing cholesterol levels and supporting heart health.

Common Misspellings for STEROLS

• sterola
• sercls
• steryles
• Skrols
• screhols
• Skeroule
• Sierals
• tersols
• Sterfis

Etymology of STEROLS

The word "sterols" is derived from the combination of two words: "steroid" and "alcohol".

The term "steroid" originates from the German word "Steroide", coined in 1926 by the German chemist Adolf Windaus. It is derived from the Greek word "stereos", meaning solid, as these compounds were initially identified as solid substances. "Steroid" refers to a large family of organic compounds that share a common core structure consisting of four fused carbon rings.

The word "alcohol" comes from the Arabic term "al-kuḥl", wherein "al" means "the" and "kuḥl" refers to a fine powder or the essence of a substance. This word was later adopted by Latin, leading to "alcoholis" and eventually to the English term "alcohol".