anticholinergic

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

adjective

1. of or relating to a substance that opposes the effects of acetylcholine; interfering with the passage of parasympathetic nerve impulses. Compare cholinolytic.

noun

1. an anticholinergic substance, as a drug.

anticholinergic

/ ˌæntɪˌkɒlɪˈnɜːdʒɪk /

adjective

1. physiol blocking nerve impulses through the parasympathetic nerves

noun

1. med a drug or agent that blocks these nerve impulses, used to control intestinal spasm, increase the heart rate, dilate the pupils for examination of the eyes, dry secretions in anaesthesia, and in some forms to treat Alzheimer's disease

Word History and Origins

Origin of anticholinergic¹

1940–45; anti- + cholinergic, equivalent to choline + -ergic