acetylcholine

noun

ace·​tyl·​cho·​line ə-ˌse-tᵊl-ˈkō-ˌlēn How to pronounce acetylcholine (audio)
-ˌsē-;
ˈa-sə-ˌtēl-
: a neurotransmitter [C7H16NO2]+ released at autonomic synapses and neuromuscular junctions and formed enzymatically in the tissues from choline

Examples of acetylcholine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The pairing of dopamine and acetylcholine is the crux of the study. Elana Spivack, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2025 In addition to dopamine’s role, the researchers also identified acetylcholine as another important chemical messenger in the process. Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025 Even while a person is taking these medications, Alzheimer’s will continue impacting the brain’s nerve cells and acetylcholine levels, making the drugs less effective over time. Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 24 Mar. 2025 This desensitization could impair the receptors’ ability to respond to acetylcholine and other signals, complicating the condition rather than alleviating it. Asmae Fahmy, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for acetylcholine

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Acetylcholin, from Acetyl acetyl + Cholin choline

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acetylcholine was in 1906

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acetylcholine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acetylcholine. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

acetylcholine

noun
ace·​tyl·​cho·​line ə-ˌset-ᵊl-ˈkō-ˌlēn How to pronounce acetylcholine (audio)
-ˌsēt-;
ˈas-ə-ˌtēl-
: a compound released at autonomic nerve endings that functions in carrying nerve impulses

Medical Definition

acetylcholine

noun
: a neurotransmitter [C7H16NO2]+ released at autonomic synapses and neuromuscular junctions, active in the transmission of nerve impulses, and formed enzymatically in the tissues from choline
acetylcholinic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on acetylcholine

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