nicotinic

adjective nic·o·tin·ic \ ˌni-kə-ˈtē-nik , -ˈti- \

Definition of nicotinic

: relating to, resembling, producing, or mediating the effects produced by nicotine on nerve fibers at autonomic ganglia and at the neuromuscular junctions of voluntary muscle which increases activity in small doses and inhibits it in larger doses

nicotinic receptors

— compare muscarinic

Recent Examples of nicotinic from the Web

The addiction-fighting medication acts on proteins called nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are the same neurological buttons that tobacco products push.

— aaron rowe, WIRED, "Is the Smoking Cessation Drug Chantix an Antidepressant or a Source of Suicidal Thoughts?," 21 Nov. 2007

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nicotinic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of nicotinic

International Scientific Vocabulary

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1941

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

nicotinic

adjective nic·o·tin·ic \ ˌnik-ə-ˈtē-nik , -ˈtin-ik \

medical Definition of nicotinic

: relating to, resembling, producing, or mediating the effects that are produced by acetylcholine liberated by nerve fibers at autonomic ganglia and at the neuromuscular junctions of voluntary muscle and that are mimicked by nicotine which increases activity in small doses and inhibits it in larger doses