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acetylcholinesterase

20 letters|/əˌsiːtəlˌkoʊlɪˈnɛstəreɪz/
extrememedical

Meaning

An enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, at nerve synapses.

Etymology

acetyl- (chemical group) + choline (compound) + esterase (enzyme that breaks down esters).

Usage

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used to treat Alzheimer's disease.

Pronunciation

/əˌsiːtəlˌkoʊlɪˈnɛstəreɪz/

Tags

medicalbiochemistryneurology