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

Maddock had previously seen low choline levels in studies of people with panic disorder.

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

It also raises a larger question for future research: whether improving choline status could help restore brain chemistry in people with anxiety disorders.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

Although the body can make a small amount on its own, most choline must come from food.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

Phosphatidyl choline is another precursor used by the body to build acetylcholine and helps maintain the nervous system.

From How and When to Be Your Own Doctor by Solomon, Steve