n.
Pronunciation: ' k ō - ˌ l ē n
Function: noun
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary
Date: circa 1871
: a basic compound C 5 H 15 NO 2 that is found in various foods (as egg yolks 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