Definition of cholinesterase
1
:an enzyme that occurs chiefly at neuromuscular junctions and promotes the hydrolysis of acetylcholine at postsynaptic receptors :acetylcholinesterase
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Recent Examples of cholinesterase from the Web
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These nerve poisons can inhibit an enzyme called cholinesterase, which breaks down a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.
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The balance is very delicate indeed, and government veterinarians have found that repeated small doses can gradually deplete an animal’s supply of cholinesterase, so that without warning a minute additional dose will cause poisoning.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cholinesterase.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of cholinesterase
1932
Medical Dictionary
cholinesterase
play
noun
cho·lin·es·ter·ase
\
ˌkō-lə-ˈnes-tə-ˌrās, -ˌrāz
\
medical Definition of cholinesterase
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, 1981
- As a cholinesterase inhibitor, it increases parasympathetic nervous system activity.
- —T. A. Farley et. al., The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2 June 1999
Learn More about cholinesterase
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cholinesterase
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