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 Additionally, choline may support brain health by supporting the production of neurotransmitters, notably acetylcholine, which is crucial for memory and cognitive function. —

Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Clec, Verywell Health, 17 Nov. 2023 Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are involved in forming brain circuits during childhood and adolescence. —

Anthony King, Scientific American, 13 June 2023 On its part, alpha GPC increases acetylcholine production, boosting memory and learning. —

Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 25 Aug. 2023 Most antipsychotics developed over the past 70 years stick to dopamine receptors, but a new generation binds to other sites, like acetylcholine receptors. —

WIRED, 7 Aug. 2023 For instance, animal studies have shown that delta 8 can enhance levels of acetylcholine—a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning—in mice with Alzheimer's-like symptoms. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 14 Aug. 2023 Botox is an injection that blocks acetylcholine from being released, resulting in less sweating. —

Cathy Cassata, Health, 29 July 2023 Choline is a water-dissolvable nutrient serving as a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2023 Choline, a water-dissolvable nutrient, serves as a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'acetylcholine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Acetylcholin, from Acetyl acetyl + Cholin choline

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of acetylcholine was in 1906

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near acetylcholine

acetyl chloride

acetylcholine

acetylcholinesterase

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Acetylcholine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acetylcholine. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Copy Citation

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