uric acid
noun
Biochemistry.
a compound, C5H4N4O3, present in mammalian urine in small amounts, and the principal nitrogenous component of the excrement of reptiles and birds, that in the form of its salts occurs in the joints in gout and as the major constituent of kidney stones.
Chemistry.
a white, crystalline, odorless, tasteless, very slightly water-soluble powder form of this compound, obtained chiefly from urine or bird excrement or synthesized, used chiefly in organic synthesis.
Origin of uric acid
First recorded in 1790–1800
OTHER WORDS FROM uric acid
u·ric-ac·id, adjectiveWords nearby uric acid
Example sentences from the Web for uric acid
An increase is also noted in the uric-acid diathesis and in diseases accompanied by respiratory insufficiency.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis |James Campbell ToddThe only known cure for gall-stones, kidney and bladder stones, gravel and all kidney trouble arising from uric-acid origin.
British Dictionary definitions for uric acid
uric acid
noun
a white odourless tasteless crystalline product of protein metabolism, present in the blood and urine; 2,6,8-trihydroxypurine. Formula: C 5 H 4 N 4 O 3
Medical definitions for uric acid
uric acid
n.
A semisolid compound that is a nitrogenous end product of protein and purine metabolism and is a nitrogenous component of urine.
Scientific definitions for uric acid
uric acid
[ yur′ĭk ]
The chief nitrogen-containing waste product excreted in the urine of birds, insects, and most reptiles. It is produced by the breakdown of amino acids in the liver. Uric acid is also produced in small quantities in humans by the breakdown of purines, and elevated levels in the blood can lead to gout. Chemical formula: C5H4N4O3.