choline

American  

[koh-leen, kol-een] / ˈkoʊ lin, ˈkɒl in /

noun

1. Biochemistry. a quaternary ammonium cation, C 5 H 14 N + O, one of the B-complex vitamins, found in the lecithin of many plants and animals.

2. choline hydroxide, C 5 H 15 NO 2 , the viscous, strongly alkaline commercial form of this compound, usually synthesized, used as a feed supplement, especially for poultry, and in medicine in certain liver conditions.

3. choline chloride, C 5 H 14 ClNO.

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choline British  

/ ˈkəʊliːn, -ɪn, ˈkɒl- /

noun

1. a colourless viscous soluble alkaline substance present in animal tissues, esp as a constituent of lecithin: used as a supplement to the diet of poultry and in medicine for preventing the accumulation of fat in the liver. Formula:[(CH 3 ) 3 NCH 2 CH 2 OH] ⁺ OH ^–

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choline Scientific  

/ kō′lēn′ /

1. A natural amine often classed in the vitamin B complex. It is incorporated into the structure of many other biologically important molecules, such as acetylcholine and lecithin. Chemical formula: C ₅ H ₁₅ NO ₂ .

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Etymology

Origin of choline

First recorded in 1855–60; chol- + -ine ²

Example Sentences

Controlled trials would be needed to test whether changing choline intake can alter brain chemistry or improve anxiety outcomes.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

It points to a measurable chemical difference inside the brain, but it does not prove that low dietary choline causes anxiety or that increasing choline will relieve symptoms.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

Soleno had just a $44 million market cap at the time it reported positive, statistically significant top-line results in a trial evaluating the efficacy of its diazoxide choline extended-release tablets.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

The soft and flexible gel is made with water and a choline based liquid that is antibacterial, nontoxic, and biocompatible.

From Science Daily • Feb. 22, 2026

Most of our knowledge, as we now have it, regarding such alkaloids as muscarine and choline has been acquired during the past dozen years.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 623, December 10, 1887 by Various