cholinergic

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

/ ˌkoʊ ləˈnɜr dʒɪk, ˌkɒl ə- /

adjective Biochemistry.

resembling acetylcholine in pharmacological action.

stimulated by or releasing acetylcholine or a related compound.

Nearby words

cholic, cholic acid, choline, choline acetyltransferase, choline kinase, cholinergic, cholinergic blockade, cholinergic fiber, cholinergic receptor, cholinergic urticaria, cholinesterase

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

/ (ˌkəʊlɪˈnɜːdʒɪk) /

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

Medicine definitions for cholinergic

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.

Science definitions for cholinergic

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.