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
Examples of cholinesterase in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cholinesterase Inhibitors The caffeine in coffee has serious effects on medications for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia called cholinesterase inhibitors.
—
Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 19 Aug. 2025
Donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine ― all in the class of medications known as cholinesterase inhibitors ― work by replenishing a chemical messenger called acetylcholine, which is diminished in Alzheimer’s.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
That’s where cholinesterase inhibitors can come in.
—Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 24 Mar. 2025
However, some treatments, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and glutamate regulators, may help people manage symptoms of the illness.
—Maggie O'Neill, Health, 2 Nov. 2024
Namenda is a glutamate regulator and Namzaric is a combination cholinesterase inhibitor and glutamate regulator.
—Byrichard Eisenberg, Fortune Well, 15 June 2023
In addition to donepezil, there are two other cholinesterase inhibitors: galantamine and rivastigmine (the one that also has a patch version).
—Mariana Lenharo, Health.com, 13 Apr. 2022
Pharmaceutical companies built on this work to develop drugs generally called cholinesterase inhibitors that increased acetylcholine in the brain by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks it down, allowing more of the neurotransmitter to stay around to stimulate nerve cells.
—Susan Molchan, STAT, 12 July 2021
Donepezil and others like it, such galantamine and rivastigmine, belong to a class of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors, typically prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 9 June 2021
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Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 19 Aug. 2025
Donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine ― all in the class of medications known as cholinesterase inhibitors ― work by replenishing a chemical messenger called acetylcholine, which is diminished in Alzheimer’s.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
That’s where cholinesterase inhibitors can come in.
—Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 24 Mar. 2025
However, some treatments, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and glutamate regulators, may help people manage symptoms of the illness.
—Maggie O'Neill, Health, 2 Nov. 2024
Namenda is a glutamate regulator and Namzaric is a combination cholinesterase inhibitor and glutamate regulator.
—Byrichard Eisenberg, Fortune Well, 15 June 2023
In addition to donepezil, there are two other cholinesterase inhibitors: galantamine and rivastigmine (the one that also has a patch version).
—Mariana Lenharo, Health.com, 13 Apr. 2022
Pharmaceutical companies built on this work to develop drugs generally called cholinesterase inhibitors that increased acetylcholine in the brain by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks it down, allowing more of the neurotransmitter to stay around to stimulate nerve cells.
—Susan Molchan, STAT, 12 July 2021
Donepezil and others like it, such galantamine and rivastigmine, belong to a class of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors, typically prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 9 June 2021
Cite this Entry
“Cholinesterase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cholinesterase. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
John W. Hole, Human Anatomy & PhysiologyAs a cholinesterase inhibitor, it increases parasympathetic nervous system activity.—T. A. Farley et al., The Journal of the American Medical Association
T. A. Farley et al., The Journal of the American Medical AssociationLove words? Need even more definitions?
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