How to Pronounce “cholesterol”

American (US)

/kəˈlestərɔːl/

British (UK)

/kəˈlestərɒl/

noun — A fatty substance in the blood that is essential in small amounts but harmful in excess.

Example: His cholesterol dropped after six months of exercise.

Where the stress falls. “cholesterol” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /kəˈlestərɔːl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /kəˈlestərɔːl/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "cholesterol" mean?

cholesterol (noun): A fatty substance in the blood that is essential in small amounts but harmful in excess. For example — His cholesterol dropped after six months of exercise.

How do you pronounce "cholesterol" in American vs British English?

American English: /kəˈlestərɔːl/. British English: /kəˈlestərɒl/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "cholesterol"?

/kəˈlestərɔːl/ in American English, /kəˈlestərɒl/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "cholesterol"?

“cholesterol” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /kəˈlestərɔːl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

How to Pronounce Medical Terms — Greek Words, With Audio

Medical vocabulary keeps Greek stress, silent letters and the -itis rule. Hear stethoscope, Alzheimer’s, cholesterol and anesthesia in your own accent.