pyrimidine

[ pahy-rim-i-deen, pi-, pir-uh-mi-deen, -din ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a heterocyclic compound, C 4 H 4 N 2 , that is the basis of several important biochemical substances.
2. one of several pyrimidine derivatives, especially the bases cytosine, thymine, and uracil, which are fundamental constituents of nucleic acids.

pyrimidine

/ paɪˈrɪmɪˌdiːn /

noun

1. a liquid or crystalline organic compound with a penetrating odour; 1,3-diazine. It is a weakly basic soluble heterocyclic compound and can be prepared from barbituric acid. Formula: C 4 H 4 N 2
2. Also calledpyrimidine base any of a number of similar compounds having a basic structure that is derived from pyrimidine, including cytosine, thymine, and uracil, which are constituents of nucleic acids

pyrimidine

/ pī-rĭm′ĭ-dēn′ /

1. Any of a group of organic compounds having a single six-member ring in which the first and third atoms are nitrogen and the rest are carbon. Pyrimidines include the bases cytosine, thymine, and uracil, which are components of DNA and RNA. Pyrimidine rings are also components of several larger compounds, such as thiamine and some synthetic barbiturates.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyrimidine¹

1880–85; blend of pyridine and imide

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyrimidine¹

C20: variant of pyridine