acetylcholinesterase
|a-ce-tyl-cho-lin-es-ter-ase|
🇺🇸
/əˌsɛtɪlˌkoʊlɪˈnɛstəˌreɪs/
🇬🇧
/əˌsɛtɪlˌkəʊlɪˈnɛstəˌreɪs/
enzyme breaking down acetylcholine
Etymology
'acetylcholinesterase' originates from the combination of 'acetyl' and 'cholinesterase', where 'acetyl' refers to the acetyl group and 'cholinesterase' is an enzyme that breaks down choline esters.
'acetylcholinesterase' was formed by combining the terms 'acetyl' and 'cholinesterase' to describe the enzyme's function in breaking down acetylcholine.
Initially, it referred to the enzyme's role in breaking down acetylcholine, and this meaning has remained consistent.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of acetylcholine into choline and acetic acid, a reaction necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/18 20:36