acetylcholine

noun

ace·​tyl·​cho·​line ə-ˌse-tᵊl-ˈkō-ˌlēn 

-ˌsē-;

ˈa-sə-ˌtēl-

: a neurotransmitter [C₇H₁₆NO₂]⁺ released at autonomic synapses and neuromuscular junctions and formed enzymatically in the tissues from choline

Examples of acetylcholine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There is also some evidence that compounds that increase dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain can improve certain forms of memory, such as working memory. —James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Aug. 2024

Alzheimer’s medications work by protecting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and drinking high amounts of coffee has been shown to impair that protective effect.10 5. —Courtney Southwick, Health, 23 July 2024

Whatever the causes, the brains of Parkinson’s patients generally start to show a deficit in three neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 9 July 2024

The drug blocks the action of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating sweat glands. —Don Rauf, EverydayHealth.com, 3 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Acetylcholin, from Acetyl acetyl + Cholin choline

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

acetylcholine

noun

ace·​tyl·​cho·​line ə-ˌset-ᵊl-ˈkō-ˌlēn 

-ˌsēt-;

ˈas-ə-ˌtēl-

: a compound released at autonomic nerve endings that functions in carrying nerve impulses

Medical Definition

acetylcholine

noun

ace·​tyl·​cho·​line ə-ˌset-ᵊl-ˈkō-ˌlēn  -ˌsēt-; ˌas-ə-ˌtēl- 

: a neurotransmitter [C₇H₁₆NO₂]⁺ released at autonomic synapses and neuromuscular junctions, active in the transmission of nerve impulses, and formed enzymatically in the tissues from choline

acetylcholinic

-kō-ˈlin-ik 

adjective