anticholinergic

[ an-ti-koh-luh-nur-jik, -kol-uh- ]
/ ˌæn tɪˌkoʊ ləˈnɜr dʒɪk, -ˌkɒl ə- /
Biochemistry, Pharmacology

adjective

of or relating to a substance that opposes the effects of acetylcholine; interfering with the passage of parasympathetic nerve impulses. Compare cholinolytic.

noun

an anticholinergic substance, as a drug.

Origin of anticholinergic

1940–45; anti- + cholinergic, equivalent to choline + -ergic

British Dictionary definitions for anticholinergic

anticholinergic
/ (ˌæntɪˌkɒlɪˈnɜːdʒɪk) /

adjective

physiol blocking nerve impulses through the parasympathetic nerves

noun

med a drug or agent that blocks these nerve impulses, used to control intestinal spasm, increase the heart rate, dilate the pupils for examination of the eyes, dry secretions in anaesthesia, and in some forms to treat Alzheimer's disease

Medical definitions for anticholinergic

anticholinergic
[ ăn′tē-kō′lə-nûrjĭk, ăn′tī- ]

n.

An agent that is antagonistic to the action of parasympathetic or other cholinergic nerve fibers.