purine

noun pu·rine \ ˈpyu̇r-ˌēn \

Definition of purine

1 : a crystalline base C₅H₄N₄ that is the parent of compounds of the uric-acid group

2 : a derivative of purine; especially : a base (such as adenine or guanine) that is a constituent of DNA or RNA

Recent Examples of purine from the Web

Peas are a source of purines, which can increase the amount of uric acid in your blood and potentially lead to a gout flare-up.

— emily abbate, GQ, "Protein Powder Supplements, Explained: Your Complete Guide to the Smoothie Bar Menu," 5 Mar. 2018
Franklin's lifestyle, including a diet high in purines (found abundantly in meat and beer), can result in uric acid synthesis and gout.

— Philly.com, "For Franklin, it came down to lifestyle, family history," 8 Oct. 2017
One nutritionist wasn't surprised by the new findings, pointing out that the DASH diet is low in compounds called purines, which break down to form uric acid.

— healthday, chicagotribune.com, "Eat this diet to lower your odds of gout," 12 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'purine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.