xanthine
[ zan-theen, -thin ]
/ ˈzæn θin, -θɪn /
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noun Biochemistry, Chemistry.
a crystalline, nitrogenous compound, C5H4N4O2, related to uric acid, occurring in urine, blood, and certain animal and vegetable tissues.
any derivative of this compound.
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Words nearby xanthine
xanthene dye, Xanthian, xanthic, xanthic acid, xanthin, xanthine, xanthinuria, Xanthippe, xanthism, xantho-, xanthochroid
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Example sentences from the Web for xanthine
British Dictionary definitions for xanthine
xanthine
/ (ˈzænθiːn, -θaɪn) /
noun
a crystalline compound related in structure to uric acid and found in urine, blood, certain plants, and certain animal tissues. Formula: C 5 H 4 N 4 O 2
any substituted derivative of xanthine, esp one of the three pharmacologically active methylated xanthines, caffeine, theophylline, or theobromine, which act as stimulants and diuretics
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Medical definitions for xanthine
xanthine
[ zăn′thēn′, -thĭn ]
n.
A yellowish-white crystalline purine base that is a precursor of uric acid and is found in blood, urine, and muscle tissue.
Any of several derivatives of this compound.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for xanthine
xanthine
[ zăn′thēn′, -thĭn ]
Any of various purines having two oxygen atoms attached to the six-member ring of carbon and nitrogen atoms. Xanthines include caffeine, theophylline (a toxic alkaloid found in tea leaves), and theobromine (a toxic alkaloid found in cocoa).
The simplest of this class of compounds, forming yellowish-white crystals. It is produced in the body as an intermediate stage in the breakdown of purines to uric acid. It is also found in blood and in certain plants. Chemical formula: C5H4N4O2.
Any of several derivatives of this compound.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.