The presence of cholesterol in the blood, especially at higher than normal levels.
From Greek 'chole' (bile) + 'stereos' (solid) + '-emia' (blood condition). The term emerged in the 19th century as chemists identified this fatty substance in bile and blood.
Cholesterol got its name because scientists first found it as a solid waxy substance in gallstones—that's why 'stereos' means solid. We now know it's actually essential for life, but modern diets often lead to too much of it.
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