cholinesterase

American  

[koh-luh-nes-tuh-reys, -reyz, kol-uh-] / ˌkoʊ ləˈnɛs təˌreɪs, -ˌreɪz, ˌkɒl ə- /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. an enzyme, found especially in the heart, brain, and blood, that hydrolyzes acetylcholine to acetic acid and choline.

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cholinesterase British  

/ ˌkɒl-, ˌkəʊlɪˈnɛstəˌreɪs /

noun

1. an enzyme that hydrolyses acetylcholine to choline and acetic acid

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Etymology

Origin of cholinesterase

First recorded in 1930–35; choline + esterase

Example Sentences

Navalny did not display “a clinical pattern characteristic of a poisoning by cholinesterase inhibitors,” he added.

From Washington Post • Aug. 25, 2020

The cholinesterase inhibitors found in Navalny’s system reportedly block the breakdown of acetycholine, a vital chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells.

From Fox News • Aug. 25, 2020

Fortunately, the body has its own protective device against this peril—an enzyme called cholinesterase, which breaks down the transmitting chemical once it is no longer needed.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 3, 2017

The reason sage may have an effect is because it contains a cholinesterase inhibitor, a chemical which prevents the breakdown of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2014

The power of the organic phosphates, those poisoners of the nerve-protective enzyme cholinesterase, may become greater if the body has first been exposed to a chlorinated hydrocarbon which injures the liver.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson