acetylcholine

noun ace·tyl·cho·line \ə-ˌse-t^əl-ˈkō-ˌlēn, -ˌsē-; ˈa-sə-ˌtēl-\

Definition of ACETYLCHOLINE

: a neurotransmitter [C₇H₁₆NO₂]⁺ released at autonomic synapses and neuromuscular junctions and formed enzymatically in the tissues from choline

See acetylcholine defined for kids

Origin of ACETYLCHOLINE

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use: 1906

Medical Dictionary

acetylcholine

noun ace·tyl·cho·line \ə-ˌset-^əl-ˈkō-ˌlēn, -ˌsēt-; ˌas-ə-ˌtēl-\

Medical Definition of ACETYLCHOLINE

: a neurotransmitter C₇H₁₇NO₃ released at autonomic synapses and neuromuscular junctions, active in the transmission of nerve impulses, and formed enzymatically in the tissues from choline

—ace·tyl·cho·lin·ic \-kō-ˈlin-ik\ adjective

Learn More About ACETYLCHOLINE

Nglish: Translation of "acetylcholine" for Spanish speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "acetylcholine"

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: acetylcholinesterasePrevious Word in the Dictionary: acetyl chlorideAll Words Near: acetylcholine

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up acetylcholine? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More