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

People living with anxiety disorders tend to have reduced amounts of choline in their brains, according to new findings from UC Davis Health.

From Science Daily • Dec. 4, 2025

Foods that provide choline include beef liver, egg yolks, beef, chicken, fish, soybeans and milk, among others.

From Science Daily • Dec. 4, 2025

Earlier work by Maddock showed reduced choline levels in patients with panic disorder.

From Science Daily • Dec. 4, 2025

A central aspect of the study involves choline, a nutrient essential for cell-membrane structure, inflammation control, liver function and the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory.

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2025

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