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

According to neurologist and lifestyle medicine physician Lynette Gogol, DO, DipABLM, caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain that are involved in inflammation and communication between nerve cells. —Sarah Garone, Health, 20 Feb. 2026

Caffeine releases adrenaline while blocking adenosine receptors at a higher rate. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2026

Outside the cell, the ATP is converted into adenosine, which acts on neurons — in this case, by exciting neurons that inhibit swimming and suppressing swim neurons. —Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026

Beyond exfoliation, panthenol, adenosine, and glycoproteins help hydrate and add a little bounce back, while macadamia seed oil keeps the finish cushioned rather than tight. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 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