adenosine

noun

aden·​o·​sine ə-ˈde-nə-ˌsēn 

-sən

: a nucleoside C₁₀H₁₃N₅O₄ that is a constituent of RNA and yields adenine and ribose on hydrolysis

Examples of adenosine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Caffeine boosts energy by blocking a neurotransmitter, called adenosine, from binding to receptors in the brain. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 7 Nov. 2025

Meanwhile, adenosine and collagen visibly smooth and boost elasticity. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 3 Nov. 2025

Also inside are caffeine, oat seed extract, shea butter, and adenosine to soften lines and smooth crepey texture. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025

Eliana also started on a temporary therapy that replaced a missing enzyme in her body, called adenosine deaminase (ADA). —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Adenosin, blend of Adenin adenine and Ribose ribose

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing adenosine

• adenosine diphosphate
• adenosine monophosphate
• adenosine triphosphatase
• adenosine triphosphate

Rhymes for adenosine

• acetylene
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• antipyrine
• apomorphine
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• chlorobenzene
• chlorpromazine

Medical Definition

adenosine

noun

aden·​o·​sine ə-ˈden-ə-ˌsēn, -sən 

: a nucleoside C₁₀H₁₃N₅O₄ that is a constituent of RNA yielding adenine and ribose on hydrolysis