n.
A statin, C 25H38O5, that blocks the body's synthesis of cholesterol and is administered especially to individuals at risk for heart disease.
[sim- (perhaps alteration of syn-, pref. indicating attachment on the same side of the plane as a double bond; see syn-) + -vastatin, statin suff.; see pravastatin.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
