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acetylcholinesterase

[ uh-seet-l-koh-luh-nes-tuh-reys, -reyz, uh-set-, as-i-tl- ]

noun

, Biochemistry.
  1. an enzyme that hydrolyzes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine: its action is blocked by nerve gases and certain drugs.

acetylcholinesterase

/ əˈsiːtaɪlˌkəʊliːnˈɛstərˌeɪz; ˈæsɪtaɪl- /

noun

  1. an enzyme in nerve cells that is responsible for the destruction of acetylcholine and thus for switching off excitation of the nerve

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Word History and Origins

Origin of acetylcholinesterase1

First recorded in 1945–50; acetylcholine + esterase

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acetylcholineacetyl-coenzyme A

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