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xanthine

 - 4 dictionary results

xan⋅thine

[zan-theen, -thin]
–noun Biochemistry, Chemistry.
1. a crystalline, nitrogenous compound, C5H4N4O2, related to uric acid, occurring in urine, blood, and certain animal and vegetable tissues.
2. any derivative of this compound.

Origin:
1855–60; < F; see xantho-, -ine 2
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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xan·thine   (zān'thēn', -thĭn)   
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.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: xan·thine
Pronunciation: 'zan-"thEn
Function: noun
: a feebly basic compound C5H4N4O2 thatoccurs especially in animal or plant tissue, is derived from guanine and hypoxanthine, and yields uric acid on oxidation; also : any of various derivatives of this
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

xanthine xan·thine (zān'thēn', -thĭn)
n.

  1. A yellowish-white crystalline purine base that is a precursor of uric acid and is found in blood, urine, and muscle tissue.

  2. Any of several derivatives of this compound.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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