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

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

Example Sentences

Thorne was diagnosed autistic as an adult and lived with an intense skin condition called cholinergic urticaria in his 20s, meaning he was allergic to heat and his own body movements.

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In this study, the researchers observed differences in beta-amyloid accumulation in male and female mice when changing the levels of cholinergic activity.

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Last year, a study published in the Lancet journal eBioMedicine offered compelling evidence that a cholinergic enzyme in living infants could be a biomarker, and indicate a newborn's risk of SIDS.

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Dr. Mansi Kanuga, an allergy specialist at the Mayo Clinic, says there are a "variety of theories" about the cause of cholinergic and solar urticaria, but "the specific underlying mechanism is not well understood".

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The illness was diagnosed as chronic cholinergic urticaria, a skin ailment triggered by heat, and at first it was debilitating and defining.

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