cholecystokinin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low frequency (highly technical term)Medical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cholecystokinin” mean?
A hormone secreted by the small intestine that stimulates the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the gallbladder.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hormone secreted by the small intestine that stimulates the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the gallbladder.
Also functions as a neuropeptide in the brain and is involved in the regulation of anxiety, satiety, and pain perception.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent across both varieties.
Connotations
Solely a technical, neutral scientific term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “cholecystokinin” in a Sentence
CCK is secreted BY the duodenum.CCK stimulates the release OF enzymes.Levels OF CCK rise.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cholecystokinin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cholecystokinin response was measured.
- Cholecystokinin receptors are found in the brain.
American English
- The cholecystokinin response was measured.
- Cholecystokinin receptors are found in the brain.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and pharmacological research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in endocrinology and gastroenterology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cholecystokinin”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cholecystokinin”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cholecystokinin”
- Misspelling (e.g., cholecystokinen, cholecistokinin).
- Incorrect pronunciation, stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., choleCYSTokinin).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It stimulates the gallbladder to release bile and the pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes, aiding in the digestion of fats and proteins.
No, it is also produced in the brain where it acts as a neurotransmitter involved in anxiety and satiety.
It is almost universally abbreviated as CCK in scientific literature.
Its release is primarily stimulated by fatty acids and amino acids (from proteins) entering the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
A hormone secreted by the small intestine that stimulates the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the gallbladder.
Cholecystokinin is usually medical/scientific in register.
Cholecystokinin: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒlɪˌsɪstə(ʊ)ˈkaɪnɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkoʊlɪˌsɪstoʊˈkaɪnɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CHOLE- (bile), CYSTO- (bladder), KININ (a substance that moves or stimulates). So, 'the bile-bladder mover'.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIGESTIVE MESSENGER / SATIETY SIGNAL
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary physiological function of cholecystokinin (CCK)?