Standard Lemma guide

simvastatin

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • General-American: /ˈsɪm.vəˌstæt.n̩/
  • General-American: /ˌsɪm.vəˈstæt.n̩/
  • General-American: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -ætən

1

noun

Meaning 1

A semisynthetic drug C25H38O5 that decreases the level of cholesterol in the bloodstream and is derived from a compound produced by a mold (Aspergillus terreus).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Topics: medicine, pharmacology, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

an oral lipid-lowering medicine (trade name Zocor) administered to reduce blood cholesterol levels; recommended after heart attacks

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: Zocor

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: lipid-lowering medicine, lipid-lowering medication, statin drug, statin

History

Etymology

Probably from sim- (“alteration of synthetic”) + -vastatin (“HMG CoA reductase inhibitor”).