cholinergic

[ koh-luh-nur-jik, kol-uh- ]

adjective

, Biochemistry.

1. resembling acetylcholine in pharmacological action.
2. stimulated by or releasing acetylcholine or a related compound.

cholinergic

/ ˌkəʊlɪˈnɜːdʒɪk /

adjective

1. denoting nerve fibres that release acetylcholine when stimulated
2. of or relating to the type of chemical activity associated with acetylcholine and similar substances

cholinergic

/ kō′lə-nûr′jĭk /

1. Relating to a neuron or axon that is activated by or is capable of releasing acetylcholine when a nerve impulse passes. The nerve endings of the parasympathetic nervous system are cholinergic.
2. Having physiological effects similar to those of acetylcholine, as certain drugs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cholinergic¹

First recorded in 1930–35; (acetyl)choline + -ergic

Word History and Origins

Origin of cholinergic¹

C20: from ( acetyl ) cholin ( e ) + Greek ergon work