theophylline
[ thee-uh-fil-een, -in ]
/ ˌθi əˈfɪl in, -ɪn /
noun Pharmacology.
a white, crystalline, poisonous alkaloid, C7H8N4O2, an isomer of theobromine, extracted from tea leaves or produced synthetically: used to relieve bronchial spasms, in the treatment of certain heart conditions, and as a diuretic.
Words nearby theophylline
theophagy,
theophany,
theophilus,
theophobia,
theophrastus,
theophylline,
theophylline ethylenediamine,
theor.,
theorbo,
theorell,
theorem
Example sentences from the Web for theophylline
Caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine are not found in animal tissues, but are fairly widely distributed in plants.
The Chemistry of Plant Life |Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher
British Dictionary definitions for theophylline
theophylline
/ (ˌθɪəˈfɪliːn, -ɪn, θɪˈɒfɪlɪn) /
noun
a white crystalline slightly water-soluble alkaloid that is an isomer of theobromine: it occurs in plants, such as tea, and is used to treat asthma. Formula: C 7 H 8 N 4 O 2
See also xanthine (def. 2)
Word Origin for theophylline
C19: from
theo (
bromine) +
phyllo- +
-ine ²
Medical definitions for theophylline
theophylline
[ thē-ŏf′ə-lĭn, thē′ō-fĭl′ēn′ ]
n.
A colorless crystalline alkaloid derived from tea leaves or made synthetically, used as a cardiac stimulant and diuretic.
Scientific definitions for theophylline
theophylline
[ thē-ŏf′ə-lĭn ]
A colorless, crystalline alkaloid derived from tea leaves or made synthetically. It is used in medicine especially as a bronchial dilator. Theophylline is a xanthine that is similar in structure to caffeine and is a structural isomer of theobromine. Chemical formula: C7H8N4O2.