Cholinesterase
- Pronunciation
- /KAHL-in-es-ter-ase/
- Category
- Physiology
- Singular
- Cholinesterase
- Plural
- Cholinesterases
Definition
An enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, essential for nerve impulse transmission.
Etymology
From Greek 'cholē' meaning 'bile' and 'ester' meaning 'an organic compound', combined with '-ase' denoting an enzyme.
Example
Cholinesterase inhibitors are used in some medications to treat conditions like Alzheimer's disease.