cholinergic

American  

[koh-luh-nur-jik, kol-uh-] / ˌkoʊ ləˈnɜr dʒɪk, ˌkɒl ə- /

adjective

Biochemistry.

1. resembling acetylcholine in pharmacological action.

2. stimulated by or releasing acetylcholine or a related compound.

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cholinergic British  

/ ˌkəʊlɪˈnɜːdʒɪk /

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

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cholinergic Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

Origin of cholinergic

First recorded in 1930–35; (acetyl)choline + -ergic

Compare meaning

How does cholinergic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cholinergic vs. anticholinergic

Example Sentences

Both groups trained on tablets for 30 minutes a day over 10 weeks, but only the BrainHQ users showed measurable increases in cholinergic activity.

From Science Daily • Oct. 29, 2025

Thorne was diagnosed autistic as an adult and lived with an intense skin condition called cholinergic urticaria in his 20s, meaning he was allergic to heat and his own body movements.

From BBC • May 27, 2025

In this study, the researchers observed differences in beta-amyloid accumulation in male and female mice when changing the levels of cholinergic activity.

From Science Daily • Oct. 17, 2023

Last year, a study published in the Lancet journal eBioMedicine offered compelling evidence that a cholinergic enzyme in living infants could be a biomarker, and indicate a newborn's risk of SIDS.

From Salon • May 25, 2023

This includes the NMJ as an example of a cholinergic synapse, but cholinergic synapses are found in other parts of the nervous system.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013