adenosine

American  

[uh-den-uh-seen, -sin] / əˈdɛn əˌsin, -sɪn /

noun

1. Biochemistry. a white, crystalline, water-soluble nucleoside, C 10 H 13 N 5 O 4 , of adenine and ribose.

---

adenosine British  

/ ˌædɪˈnəʊsiːn, æˈdɛnəˌsiːn /

noun

1. biochem a nucleoside formed by the condensation of adenine and ribose. It is present in all living cells in a combined form, as in ribonucleic acids. Formula: C 10 H 13 N 5 O 4

---

adenosine Scientific  

/ ə-dĕn′ə-sēn′ /

1. A compound consisting of adenine combined with ribose. Adenosine is one of the nucleotides in DNA and is also a component of ADP, AMP, and ATP. Chemical formula: C ₁₀ H ₁₃ N ₅ O ₄ .

---

Etymology

Origin of adenosine

1905–10; < German Adenosin, blend of Adenin adenine and Ribose ribose

Compare meaning

How does adenosine compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• adenine vs. adenosine

Example Sentences

It increases levels of CD73, which in turn raises levels of adenosine.

From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026

Caffeine blocks the adenosine receptors in your nerves, so your brain perceives less pain and fatigue.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2025

Caffeine is a psychostimulant that works by blocking the adenosine receptors in the brain, which are linked to sleep, memory and learning.

From Salon • Dec. 22, 2024

Throughout the day, your body produces a chemical called adenosine, which binds to receptors in your brain and makes you feel drowsy.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2024

Intense light stabilizes the PER2 gene and increases levels of adenosine, which blocks electrical signals in the heart that cause irregular rhythms, making it cardiac protective.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2024