xanthine

[ zan-theen, -thin ]

noun

, Biochemistry, Chemistry.

1. a crystalline, nitrogenous compound, C 5 H 4 N 4 O 2 , related to uric acid, occurring in urine, blood, and certain animal and vegetable tissues.
2. any derivative of this compound.

xanthine

/ ˈzænθiːn; -θaɪn /

noun

1. 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
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

xanthine

/ zăn′thēn′,-thĭn /

1. 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).
2. 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: C 5 H 4 N 4 O 2 .
3. Any of several derivatives of this compound.

Word History and Origins

Origin of xanthine¹

From French, dating back to 1855–60; xantho-, -ine ²

Example Sentences

One is completely insoluble in water, which we have termed xanthine, a name which Runge has given to a yellow matter from madder.

From Project Gutenberg

The yellow deposit which is obtained in this way, is not pure xanthine, as it contains a rather considerable quantity of oil.

From Project Gutenberg

This precipitate we treat with cold alcohol, which leaves behind the fatty acids, and dissolves the xanthine.

From Project Gutenberg

It comprises the xanthine group and the uric acid group of bodies.

From Project Gutenberg

The artificial preparation of theobromine and caffeine from xanthine, and guanine also show clearly their relations.

From Project Gutenberg