xan·thine (z n th n , -th n)n. 1. A yellowish-white, crystalline purine base, C5H4N4O2, that is a precursor of uric acid and is found in blood, urine, muscle tissue, and certain plants. 2. Any of several derivatives of this compound. |
xanthine [ˈzænθiːn -θaɪn]
n
1. (Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) a crystalline compound related in structure to uric acid and found in urine, blood, certain plants, and certain animal tissues. Formula: C5H4N4O2
2. (Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) 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 (znthn, -thn) 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: C5H4N4O2. 3. Any of several derivatives of this compound. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | xanthine - crystalline oxidation product of the metabolism of nucleoproteins; precursor of uric acid; found in many organs and in urine organic compound - any compound of carbon and another element or a radical |
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