choline

[ koh-leen, kol-een ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. a quaternary ammonium cation, C 5 H 14 N + O, one of the B-complex vitamins, found in the lecithin of many plants and animals.
2. choline hydroxide, C 5 H 15 NO 2 , the viscous, strongly alkaline commercial form of this compound, usually synthesized, used as a feed supplement, especially for poultry, and in medicine in certain liver conditions.
3. choline chloride, C 5 H 14 ClNO.

choline

/ ˈkəʊliːn; -ɪn; ˈkɒl- /

noun

1. a colourless viscous soluble alkaline substance present in animal tissues, esp as a constituent of lecithin: used as a supplement to the diet of poultry and in medicine for preventing the accumulation of fat in the liver. Formula:[(CH 3 ) 3 NCH 2 CH 2 OH] ⁺OH ^–

choline

/ kō′lēn′ /

1. A natural amine often classed in the vitamin B complex. It is incorporated into the structure of many other biologically important molecules, such as acetylcholine and lecithin. Chemical formula: C 5 H 15 NO 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of choline¹

First recorded in 1855–60; chol- + -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of choline¹

C19: from chole- + -ine ², so called because of its action in the liver

Example Sentences

"We need to consume 400-500 mg of choline per day to support cell regeneration, gene expression regulation, and for sending signals between neurons."

From Science Daily

Luo explains that glycerol acts as a hydrogen donor and choline chloride acts as a hydrogen acceptor.

From Science Daily

The choline cation within the liquid effectively shields the negative charge of nucleic acids, preventing their contact with water and thereby fundamentally impeding hydrolysis.

From Science Daily

It also contains choline, an essential nutrient for regulating memory and mood.

From Seattle Times

China's new requirements revise the minimum and maximum values of nutrients such as selenium, manganese and choline, mandate lactose content and ban fructose and sucrose.

From Reuters