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pterin

noun

pter·​in ˈter-ən How to pronounce pterin (audio)
: any of various compounds that contain the bicyclic ring system characteristic of pteridine

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary pter- (from Greek pteron wing) + -in entry 1; from its being a factor in the pigments of butterfly wings

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pterin was in 1934

Rhymes for pterin

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Browse Nearby Words

Pteriidae
pterin
Pteris
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Cite this Entry

“Pterin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pterin. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

pterin

noun
pter·​in ˈter-ən How to pronounce pterin (audio)
: any of various compounds that contain the bicyclic ring system characteristic of pteridine

More from Merriam-Webster on pterin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pterin

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