Word
acetylcholine
Phoneticsacetyl·choline
/əˌsɛtəɫˈkoʊɫin/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a natural chemical in your body that carries signals between nerve cells and muscles. It helps you move, and it also plays a role in memory and attention.
n. an ester of acetic acid and choline that transmits signals between nerve cells and to muscle cells, notably at neuromuscular junctions and in parasympathetic pathways.
Examples
“Acetylcholine helps your muscles move when you walk.”
“When you lift a cup, acetylcholine carries the signal from your nerves to your hand muscles.”
“Researchers studying Alzheimer's disease often focus on acetylcholine because falling levels of this messenger disrupt memory and attention in the aging brain.”
Examples
simple
“Acetylcholine helps your muscles move when you walk.”
contextual
“When you lift a cup, acetylcholine carries the signal from your nerves to your hand muscles.”
complex
“Researchers studying Alzheimer's disease often focus on acetylcholine because falling levels of this messenger disrupt memory and attention in the aging brain.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “acetylcholine” in context.
Verb
01. acetylcholine accumulates
“When the enzyme is blocked, acetylcholine accumulates in the synapse.”
noun + verb
02. acetylcholine binds
“Acetylcholine binds to receptors on the muscle fibre.”
noun + verb
03. acetylcholine mediates
“Acetylcholine mediates communication between nerves and muscles.”
noun + verb
04. block acetylcholine
“Certain toxins block acetylcholine and cause paralysis.”
verb + noun
05. deplete acetylcholine
“Prolonged stress may deplete acetylcholine in the brain.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. cortical acetylcholine
“Loss of cortical acetylcholine is linked to memory decline.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. acetylcholine receptor
“The toxin blocks the acetylcholine receptor on muscle cells.”
noun + noun
08. action of acetylcholine
“Drugs that prolong the action of acetylcholine improve cognition.”
noun + prep + noun
09. breakdown of acetylcholine
“The breakdown of acetylcholine prevents continuous muscle stimulation.”
noun + prep + noun
10. bind to acetylcholine receptors
“Nicotine is able to bind to acetylcholine receptors in the brain.”
11. block the action of acetylcholine
“Antihistamines can block the action of acetylcholine and cause drowsiness.”
12. break down excess acetylcholine
“The enzyme acetylcholinesterase breaks down excess acetylcholine quickly.”
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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