choline

noun

cho·​line ˈkō-ˌlēn 

: a basic compound C₅H₁₄NO that is found in various foods (such as egg yolks and legumes) or is synthesized in the liver, that is a component of lecithin and a precursor of acetylcholine, and that is essential to the metabolism of fat in the liver and is usually included in the vitamin B complex

Examples of choline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a subsequent double-blind study, one group of pregnant women were given choline supplements and the other placebos. —Daliah Singer, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024

In a small trial in Texas, Tsai’s collaborators are testing the effects of choline supplements on lipid profiles in spinal fluid of cognitively normal people with at least one copy of APOE4. —Byjocelyn Kaiser, science.org, 12 Sep. 2024

The team has reported, for example, that the nutrient choline can correct lipid processing in cultured human astrocytes with APOE4. —Byjocelyn Kaiser, science.org, 12 Sep. 2024

More research is needed to verify the effect of choline on reducing your risk of NAFLD. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Rdn, Health, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1871, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

choline

noun

cho·​line ˈkō-ˌlēn 

: a vitamin of the vitamin B complex that is widely distributed in animal and plant products (as eggs and beans) and is necessary for the activities of the liver

Medical Definition

choline

noun

cho·​line ˈkō-ˌlēn 

: a basic compound C₅H₁₄NO that is found in various foods (as egg yolk and legumes) or is synthesized in the liver and that is a component of lecithin, is a precursor of acetylcholine, and is essential to liver function