xanthine
[ zan-theen, -thin ]
/ ˈzæn θin, -θɪn /
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.
Words nearby xanthine
xanthene dye,
xanthian,
xanthic,
xanthic acid,
xanthin,
xanthine,
xanthinuria,
xanthippe,
xanthism,
xantho-,
xanthochroid
Example sentences from the Web for xanthine
The artificial preparation of theobromine and caffeine from xanthine, and guanine also show clearly their relations.
It comprises the xanthine group and the uric acid group of bodies.
The Chemistry of Food and Nutrition |A. W. Duncan
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
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.
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.