theophylline

[ thee-uh-fil-een, -in ]

nounPharmacology.
  1. a white, crystalline, poisonous alkaloid, C7H8N4O2, an isomer of theobromine, extracted from tea leaves or produced synthetically: used to relieve bronchial spasms, in the treatment of certain heart conditions, and as a diuretic.

Origin of theophylline

1
1890–95; theo-, irregular combining form representing New Latin thea tea + -phyll + -ine2

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British Dictionary definitions for theophylline

theophylline

/ (ˌθɪəˈfɪliːn, -ɪn, θɪˈɒfɪlɪn) /


noun
  1. a white crystalline slightly water-soluble alkaloid that is an isomer of theobromine: it occurs in plants, such as tea, and is used to treat asthma. Formula: C 7 H 8 N 4 O 2: See also xanthine (def. 2)

Origin of theophylline

1
C19: from theo (bromine) + phyllo- + -ine ²

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for theophylline

theophylline

[ thē-ŏfə-lĭn ]


  1. A colorless, crystalline alkaloid derived from tea leaves or made synthetically. It is used in medicine especially as a bronchial dilator. Theophylline is a xanthine that is similar in structure to caffeine and is a structural isomer of theobromine. Chemical formula: C7H8N4O2.

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