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

In the short term, caffeine in coffee works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) involved in promoting sleepiness. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2026

The serum also features a complex of five peptides to help firm skin, support collagen, and soften the appearance of fine lines, along with niacinamide to brighten uneven tone, and adenosine to smooth and strengthen overall skin structure. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026

The supporting cast is populated with adenosine, olives, argan oil, and more ingredients that contribute to its redness-neutralizing, wrinkle-smoothing, and suppleness-enhancing benefits. —Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026

Caffeine blocks receptors to a chemical in your body called adenosine. —Sarah Klein, Outside, 1 Jan. 2026

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