acetylcholine
noun
ace·tyl·cho·line
ə-ˌse-tᵊl-ˈkō-ˌlēn 
-ˌsē-;
ˈa-sə-ˌtēl-
: a neurotransmitter [C7H16NO2]+ released at autonomic synapses and neuromuscular junctions and formed enzymatically in the tissues from choline
Examples of acetylcholine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Nicotine molecules bind to the body’s nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are involved in regulating the dopamine reward system, and the resulting feel-good sensation is what makes nicotine addictive.
—
Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2025
The botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions, leading to muscle paralysis.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Eggs Eggs contain choline, which is needed to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory, mood, and other brain functions.14 Tryptophan in eggs may improve perceptual motor skills, speed, and attention.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025
Without acetylcholine, the muscles in the area become temporarily paralyzed.1
Treating Incontinence With Botox
To treat incontinence with Botox, a healthcare professional injects the medication into the detrusor muscle.
—Rosanna Sutherby, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for acetylcholine 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2025
The botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions, leading to muscle paralysis.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Eggs Eggs contain choline, which is needed to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory, mood, and other brain functions.14 Tryptophan in eggs may improve perceptual motor skills, speed, and attention.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025
Without acetylcholine, the muscles in the area become temporarily paralyzed.1
Treating Incontinence With Botox
To treat incontinence with Botox, a healthcare professional injects the medication into the detrusor muscle.
—Rosanna Sutherby, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for acetylcholine
Dictionary Entries Near acetylcholine
Cite this Entry
“Acetylcholine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acetylcholine. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
acetylcholine
noun
ace·tyl·cho·line
ə-ˌset-ᵊl-ˈkō-ˌlēn
-ˌsēt-;
ˈas-ə-ˌtēl-
: a compound released at autonomic nerve endings that functions in carrying nerve impulses
Medical Definition
acetylcholine
noun
ace·tyl·cho·line
ə-ˌset-ᵊl-ˈkō-ˌlēn
-ˌsēt-; ˌas-ə-ˌtēl-
-ˌsēt-; ˌas-ə-ˌtēl-
: a neurotransmitter [C7H16NO2]+ released at autonomic synapses and neuromuscular junctions, active in the transmission of nerve impulses, and formed enzymatically in the tissues from choline
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share