Relating to nerve cells or fibers that employ acetylcholine as their neurotransmitter. Cf.:adrenergic. [choline + G. ergon, work]
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cho·lin·er·gic .kō-lə-'nər-jik adj
1) of autonomic nerve fibers liberating, activated by, or involving acetylcholine compare ADRENERGIC (1), NORADRENERGIC
2) resembling acetylcholine esp. in physiological action <a \cholinergic drug>
cho·lin·er·gi·cal·ly -ji-k(ə-)lē adv
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adj.
1. describing nerve fibres that release acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter.
2. describing receptor at which acetylcholine acts to pass on messages from cholinergic nerve fibres.
3. describing drugs that mimic the actions of acetylcholine (see parasympathomimetic). Compare adrenergic.
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cho·lin·er·gic (ko″lin-urґjik) 1. stimulated, activated, or transmitted by choline (acetylcholine): a term applied to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers that liberate acetylcholine at a synapse when a nerve impulse passes. See also under receptor. 2. an agent that produces such effects. Called also parasympathomimetic. Cf. adrenergic.Medical dictionary. 2011.