cholinergic

cholinergic [koh-luh-nur-jik, kol-uh-] Word Origin adjective Biochemistry.

1. resembling acetylcholine in pharmacological action.
2. 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

1. denoting nerve fibres that release acetylcholine when stimulated
2. 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.

1. Relating to nerve cells or fibers that employ acetylcholine as their neurotransmitter.
2. Relating to an agent that mimics the action of acetylcholine.

cholinergic in Science cholinergic [kō′lə-nûr′jĭk]

1. 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.
2. Having physiological effects similar to those of acetylcholine, as certain drugs.