acetylcholine

American  

[uh-seet-l-koh-leen, uh-set-] / əˌsit lˈkoʊ lin, əˌsɛt- /

noun

1. Biochemistry. the acetic acid ester of choline, C 7 H 17 NO 3 , released and hydrolyzed during nerve conduction and causing muscle action by transmitting nerve impulses across synapses.

2. Pharmacology. this substance used in its chloride form in eye surgery. ACh

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acetylcholine British  

/ -lɪn, ˌæsɪtaɪlˈkəʊliːn /

noun

1. a chemical substance secreted at the ends of many nerve fibres, esp in the autonomic nervous system, and responsible for the transmission of nervous impulses. Formula: CH 3 CO 2 (CH 2 ) 2 N (CH 3 ) 3 ⁺

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acetylcholine Scientific  

/ ə-sēt′l-kō′lēn′ /

1. A substance that is released at the junction between neurons and skeletal muscle fibers, at the nerve endings of the parasympathetic nervous system, and across synapses in the central nervous system, where it acts as a neurotransmitter. Chemical formula: C ₇ H ₁₆ NO ₂ .

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Other Word Forms

• acetylcholinic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of acetylcholine

First recorded in 1905–10; acetyl + choline

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

acetylcholine

The researchers also found that tuft cells release acetylcholine in two separate phases.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 28, 2026

In contrast, mice that lacked the ability to produce acetylcholine in their tuft cells continued eating normally.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 28, 2026

These enzymes play an important role in breaking down acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that helps nerve cells communicate.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 8, 2026

A central aspect of the study involves choline, a nutrient essential for cell-membrane structure, inflammation control, liver function and the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 27, 2025

By this means a precise balance is struck and the body never builds up a dangerous amount of acetylcholine.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson