cholinesterase

noun

cho·​lin·​es·​ter·​ase ˌkō-lə-ˈne-stə-ˌrās How to pronounce cholinesterase (audio)
-ˌrāz
1
: an enzyme that occurs chiefly at neuromuscular junctions and promotes the hydrolysis of acetylcholine at postsynaptic receptors : acetylcholinesterase
2
: butyrylcholinesterase

Examples of cholinesterase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Inhibiting cholinesterase in the brain does not slow or stop the brain cell death and other damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease, noted Weber, who was not involved in the study. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026 As a cholinesterase inhibitor, donepezil works by inhibiting cholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, aiming to preserve the patient's level of this neurotransmitter. — Mariana Lenharo, Health.com, 13 Apr. 2022 However, some treatments, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and glutamate regulators, may help people manage symptoms of the illness. — Maggie O'Neill, Health, 2 Nov. 2024 Still, Loeb notes that cholinesterase inhibitors, which are often used for people with Alzheimer's, can help improve cognition and alertness in patients with Lewy body dementia. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cholinesterase

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cholinesterase was in 1932

Rhymes for cholinesterase

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Browse Nearby Words

cholinergic
cholinesterase
cholla
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Cite this Entry

“Cholinesterase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cholinesterase. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

cholinesterase

noun
cho·​lin·​es·​ter·​ase ˌkō-lə-ˈnes-tə-ˌrās, -ˌrāz How to pronounce cholinesterase (audio)
1
: an enzyme that occurs chiefly at neuromuscular junctions and promotes the hydrolysis of acetylcholine at postsynaptic receptors : acetylcholinesterase
The acetylcholine released by cholinergic fibers is rapidly decomposed by the action of cholinesterase.—John W. Hole, Human Anatomy & Physiology
As a cholinesterase inhibitor, it increases parasympathetic nervous system activity.—T. A. Farley et al., The Journal of the American Medical Association
2
: butyrylcholinesterase

More from Merriam-Webster on cholinesterase

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cholinesterase

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