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

Choline is the building block for acetylcholine, an essential neurotransmitter involved in several bodily functions, especially for brain and muscle function. —Casey Seiden, Verywell Health, 19 June 2024

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

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