choline

American  

[koh-leen, kol-een] / ˈkoʊ lin, ˈkɒl in /

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.

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choline British  

/ 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 ^–

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choline Scientific  

/ 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 .

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Etymology

Origin of choline

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

Example Sentences

The soft and flexible gel is made with water and a choline based liquid that is antibacterial, nontoxic, and biocompatible.

From Science Daily • Feb. 22, 2026

They reported that TMA, formed by gut microbes from dietary choline present in several foods, can support improved blood-sugar control.

From Science Daily • Dec. 8, 2025

People living with anxiety disorders tend to have reduced amounts of choline in their brains, according to new findings from UC Davis Health.

From Science Daily • Dec. 4, 2025

Many of the young adults showed unusually low blood levels of choline, a nutrient essential for supporting liver health, regulating inflammation and protecting long-term brain function.

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2025

Sinalbin, C30H42N2S2O15, occurs in white pepper; it decomposes to the mustard oil HO�C6H4�CH2�NCS, glucose and sinapin, a compound of choline and sinapinic acid.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 2 "Gloss" to "Gordon, Charles George" by Various