cholinergic [koh-luh-nur-jik, kol-uh-] Word Origin adjective Biochemistry.
- resembling acetylcholine in pharmacological action.
- stimulated by or releasing acetylcholine or a related compound.
Origin of cholinergic First recorded in 1930–35; (acetyl)choline + -ergic British Dictionary definitions for cholinergic cholinergic adjective
- denoting nerve fibres that release acetylcholine when stimulated
- of or relating to the type of chemical activity associated with acetylcholine and similar substances
Word Origin for cholinergic C20: from (acetyl) cholin (e) + Greek ergon work Word Origin and History for cholinergic adj.
1934, from choline (coined in German, 1862, from Greek khole “bile;” see cholera) + Greek ergon “work” (see urge (v.)) + -ic.
cholinergic in Medicine cholinergic [kō′lə-nûr′jĭk] adj.
- Relating to nerve cells or fibers that employ acetylcholine as their neurotransmitter.
- Relating to an agent that mimics the action of acetylcholine.
cholinergic in Science cholinergic [kō′lə-nûr′jĭk]
- Relating to a neuron or axon that is activated by or is capable of releasing acetylcholine when a nerve impulse passes. The nerve endings of the parasympathetic nervous system are cholinergic.
- Having physiological effects similar to those of acetylcholine, as certain drugs.