cholinergic

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

adjective Biochemistry.

resembling acetylcholine in pharmacological action.

stimulated by or releasing acetylcholine or a related compound.

Origin of cholinergic

First recorded in 1930–35; (acetyl)choline + -ergic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for cholinergic

cholinergic

adjective

denoting nerve fibres that release acetylcholine when stimulated

of or relating to the type of chemical activity associated with acetylcholine and similar substances

Word Origin for cholinergic

C20: from (acetyl) cholin (e) + Greek ergon work

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for cholinergic

adj.

1934, from choline (coined in German, 1862, from Greek khole "bile;" see cholera) + Greek ergon "work" (see urge (v.)) + -ic.

cholinergic in Medicine

cholinergic

[kō′lə-nûr′jĭk]

adj.

Relating to nerve cells or fibers that employ acetylcholine as their neurotransmitter.

Relating to an agent that mimics the action of acetylcholine.

cholinergic in Science

cholinergic

[kō′lə-nûr′jĭk]

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.

Having physiological effects similar to those of acetylcholine, as certain drugs.