theobromine

[ thee-uh-broh-meen, -min ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, water-insoluble, poisonous powder, C 7 H 8 N 4 O 2 , an isomer of theophylline and lower homologue of caffeine, occurring in tea and obtained from the cacao bean: used chiefly as a diuretic, myocardial stimulant, and vasodilator.

theobromine

/ -mɪn; ˌθiːəʊˈbrəʊmiːn /

noun

1. a white crystalline slightly water-soluble alkaloid that occurs in many plants, such as tea and cacao: formerly used to treat asthma. Formula: C 7 H 8 N 4 O 2 See also xanthine

theobromine

/ thē′ō-brō′mēn′ /

1. A bitter, colorless alkaloid that occurs in the cacao bean, cola nuts, and tea. It is found in chocolate products and used in medicine as a diuretic, vasodilator, and myocardial stimulant. Theobromine is a xanthine and similar in structure to caffeine and theophylline. Chemical formula: C 7 H 8 N 4 O 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of theobromine¹

1835–45; < New Latin Theobrom ( a ) genus of trees typified by cacao (< Greek theo- theo- + brôma food) + -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of theobromine¹

C18: from New Latin theobroma genus of trees, literally: food of the gods, from theo- + Greek brōma food + -ine ²

Example Sentences

Both contain stimulating alkaloids, theobromine and caffeine, and fat is a notable constituent of cocoa.

From Project Gutenberg

This first term gives rise to a series of bodies in lateral groups, of which the most interesting are caffeine and theobromine.

From Project Gutenberg

Caffeine and theobromine enjoy nervine properties and energetic vascular actions.

From Project Gutenberg

Chemical investigation indicates that caffeine and theine are the same and theobromine is a closely related substance.

From Project Gutenberg

It is slightly stimulating as well, because of the theobromine present and because it is served hot.

From Project Gutenberg