thiouracil

[ thahy-oh-yoor-uh-sil ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a white, slightly water-soluble, bitter, crystalline powder C 4 H 4 N 2 OS, used chiefly in treating hyperthyroidism by reducing the activity of the thyroid gland.

thiouracil

/ ˌθaɪəʊˈjʊərəsɪl /

noun

1. a white crystalline water-insoluble substance with an intensely bitter taste, used in medicine to treat hyperthyroidism; 2-thio-4-oxypyrimidine. Formula: C 4 H 4 N 2 OS

Word History and Origins

Origin of thiouracil¹

First recorded in 1940–45; thio- + uracil

Word History and Origins

Origin of thiouracil¹

from thio- + uracil ( uro- ¹+ ac ( etic ) + -il -ile )