cholinesterase

noun

cho·​lin·​es·​ter·​ase ˌkō-lə-ˈne-stə-ˌrās 

-ˌrāz

1

: an enzyme that occurs chiefly at neuromuscular junctions and promotes the hydrolysis of acetylcholine at postsynaptic receptors : acetylcholinesterase

2

: butyrylcholinesterase

Examples of cholinesterase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, Loeb notes that cholinesterase inhibitors, which are often used for people with Alzheimer's, can help improve cognition and alertness in patients with Lewy body dementia. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 6 May 2026

Inhibiting cholinesterase in the brain does not slow or stop the brain cell death and other damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease, noted Weber, who was not involved in the study. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026

Additionally, treatments such as cholinesterase inhibitors and other nervous system chemical regulators can be used for temporary relief; however, there is no single cure to prevent dementia. — Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Cholinesterase Inhibitors The caffeine in coffee has serious effects on medications for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia called cholinesterase inhibitors. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cholinesterase

• asparaginase
• decarboxylase
• dehydrogenase
• exonuclease
• galactosidase
• glucuronidase
• immunoassays
• lipoxygenase
• neuraminidase
• nucleotidase
• penicillinase
• phosphodiesterase

Medical Definition

cholinesterase

noun

cho·​lin·​es·​ter·​ase ˌkō-lə-ˈnes-tə-ˌrās, -ˌrāz 

1

: an enzyme that occurs chiefly at neuromuscular junctions and promotes the hydrolysis of acetylcholine at postsynaptic receptors : acetylcholinesterase

The acetylcholine released by cholinergic fibers is rapidly decomposed by the action of cholinesterase.

—John W. Hole, Human Anatomy & Physiology

As a cholinesterase inhibitor, it increases parasympathetic nervous system activity.

—T. A. Farley et al., The Journal of the American Medical Association

2

: butyrylcholinesterase