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

German doctors announced Aug. 24 that he showed symptoms of poisoning with a cholinesterase inhibitor, a class of chemical agents that includes Novichok and other nerve agents.

From Washington Post • Sep. 2, 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

Specifically, the results were "highly suggestive" of something called cholinesterase inhibitor intoxication.

From BBC • Sep. 20, 2019

Repeated exposure may lower the cholinesterase level until an individual reaches the brink of acute poisoning—a brink over which he may be pushed by a very small additional exposure.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 3, 2017

This chemical, like parathion and its relatives, destroys the protective enzyme cholinesterase.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson