choline

noun

cho·​line ˈkō-ˌlēn How to pronounce choline (audio)
: a basic compound C5H14NO that is found in various foods (such as egg yolks and legumes) or is synthesized in the liver, that is a component of lecithin and a precursor of acetylcholine, and that is essential to the metabolism of fat in the liver and is usually included in the vitamin B complex

Examples of choline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Choline Chloride is a concentrated form of choline that is very effective at raising choline levels in the body. Casey Seiden, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 Eggs are also a healthy source of Vitamin A and D, iron, choline and other nutrients. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2024 Thorne Basic Prenatal has folate in the methylated form, choline, and 18 other nutrients. Anne Cook Carroll, Ms, Parents, 2 Aug. 2023 Shrimp also contains phosphorus, zinc, copper, selenium, choline, vitamin E, and B vitamins, including niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, and B12. Christina Manian, Rdn, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2023 Additionally, choline may support brain health by supporting the production of neurotransmitters, notably acetylcholine, which is crucial for memory and cognitive function. Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Clec, Verywell Health, 17 Nov. 2023 The dairy in eggnog can also add protein to your diet, as can the eggs—those also provide B vitamins as well as choline, a nutrient that supports brain health, said Cohn. Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Health, 5 Dec. 2023 In fact, eggs are one of the most concentrated sources of choline in the American diet and one of the few foods rich in choline. Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Clec, Verywell Health, 17 Nov. 2023 For starters, their yolks are an excellent source of choline, which supports brain function, muscle contractions, and pain perception. Ashia Aubourg, SELF, 7 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'choline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of choline was circa 1871

Dictionary Entries Near choline

Cite this Entry

“Choline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/choline. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

choline

noun
cho·​line ˈkō-ˌlēn How to pronounce choline (audio)
: a vitamin of the vitamin B complex that is widely distributed in animal and plant products (as eggs and beans) and is necessary for the activities of the liver

Medical Definition

choline

noun
cho·​line ˈkō-ˌlēn How to pronounce choline (audio)
: a basic compound C5H14NO that is found in various foods (as egg yolk and legumes) or is synthesized in the liver and that is a component of lecithin, is a precursor of acetylcholine, and is essential to liver function

More from Merriam-Webster on choline

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