mercaptopurine

[ mer-kap-toh-pyoo r-een ]
/ mərˌkæp toʊˈpyʊər in /

noun Pharmacology.

a yellow, crystalline, water-insoluble powder, C5H4N4S, used in the treatment of leukemia.

Origin of mercaptopurine

First recorded in 1950–55; mercapto + purine

British Dictionary definitions for mercaptopurine

mercaptopurine
/ (məˌkæptəʊˈpjʊəriːn) /

noun

a drug used in the treatment of leukaemia. Formula: C 5 H 4 N 4 S

Medical definitions for mercaptopurine

mercaptopurine
[ mər-kăp′tō-pyurēn ]

n.

A purine analog that acts as an antimetabolite by interfering with purine synthesis, used primarily in the treatment of acute leukemia.