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

Nearly all existing treatments aim to quiet these spasms: The most prescribed class of medications, antimuscarinic drugs, blocks the activity of acetylcholine, a nerve-signaling chemical that triggers detrusor contractions, for example. —Emily Underwood, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 June 2024

Neuromodulators inhibit the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that relays nerve signals to the muscle. —Taryn Brooke, Allure, 16 Apr. 2024

The story starts with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which helps govern memory. —Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023

Based on animal studies, the drugs also indirectly increase levels of a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which is involved in memory, learning, and attention. —TIME, 7 Feb. 2024

The toxin makes its way into nerve cells and cleaves a critical protein complex necessary for the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, halting nerve signaling. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2024

Activation of acetylcholine receptors helps to regulate brain development and growth. —Anthony King, Scientific American, 13 June 2023

Its high antioxidant value helps to protect brain tissues and vessels against free radical damage, while coffee also increases the production of serotonin and acetylcholine (neurotransmitters responsible for certain brain functions like mood, memory, attention and arousal). —Georgia Day, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2023

Alzheimer’s disease is thought to stem from a loss in function of the neurons that produce acetylcholine. —Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023

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