cholinergic

American  

[koh-luh-nur-jik, kol-uh-] / ˌkoʊ ləˈnɜr dʒɪk, ˌkɒl ə- /

adjective

Biochemistry.

1. resembling acetylcholine in pharmacological action.

2. stimulated by or releasing acetylcholine or a related compound.

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cholinergic British  

/ 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

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cholinergic Scientific  

/ kō′lə-nûr′jĭk /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of cholinergic

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

Compare meaning

How does cholinergic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cholinergic vs. anticholinergic

Example Sentences

After 10 weeks of using the game-like app BrainHQ, older adults showed significant improvements in cholinergic function, a key brain chemical system that tends to decline with age and affects attention, memory, and decision-making.

From Science Daily

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.

From BBC

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

From Science Daily

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.

From Salon

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".

From BBC