purine
noun
pu·rine
ˈpyu̇r-ˌēn 
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
Examples of purine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Alcohol contains purines, compounds naturally found in certain foods and drinks like seafood and alcohol that your body breaks down into uric acid, which can worsen gout attacks.
—
Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 8 Jan. 2025
May Reduce Uric Acid Levels Uric acid is a waste product made when your body breaks down purines, compounds naturally found in certain foods and drinks like meat, seafood, and alcohol.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Oct. 2024
These findings underscore the nuanced interplay of neurotransmitter synthesis, lipid metabolism, microbial activity, and purine metabolism associated with omnivorous dietary patterns.
—New Atlas, 28 July 2024
It's broken down in the body from dietary purine, a chemical compound found in alcohol, meat, seafood, sugar, and alcohol.67
Infections
There is a link between infections and arthritis.
—Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Health, 21 July 2024
Foods high in purines tend to up your uric acid levels.
—Anne Harding, Health, 25 Aug. 2023
Keep in mind that not all purine sources are equal.
—Anne Harding, Health, 25 Aug. 2023
Risk factors include a diet high in purines (i.e., in some seafood and red meat) and obesity.7
Infection arthritis: This happens due to a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection that spreads to your joints.
—Cory Martin, Health, 23 Aug. 2023
For example, foods high in purines, such as organ meats and certain fish, can contribute to the formation of purine stones.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 10 Aug. 2023
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Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 8 Jan. 2025
May Reduce Uric Acid Levels Uric acid is a waste product made when your body breaks down purines, compounds naturally found in certain foods and drinks like meat, seafood, and alcohol.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Oct. 2024
These findings underscore the nuanced interplay of neurotransmitter synthesis, lipid metabolism, microbial activity, and purine metabolism associated with omnivorous dietary patterns.
—New Atlas, 28 July 2024
It's broken down in the body from dietary purine, a chemical compound found in alcohol, meat, seafood, sugar, and alcohol.67
Infections
There is a link between infections and arthritis.
—Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Health, 21 July 2024
Foods high in purines tend to up your uric acid levels.
—Anne Harding, Health, 25 Aug. 2023
Keep in mind that not all purine sources are equal.
—Anne Harding, Health, 25 Aug. 2023
Risk factors include a diet high in purines (i.e., in some seafood and red meat) and obesity.7
Infection arthritis: This happens due to a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection that spreads to your joints.
—Cory Martin, Health, 23 Aug. 2023
For example, foods high in purines, such as organ meats and certain fish, can contribute to the formation of purine stones.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 10 Aug. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Purine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purine. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
purine
noun
pu·rine
ˈpyu̇(ə)r-ˌēn
: any of a group of bases including several (as adenine or guanine) that are important parts of DNA and RNA
Medical Definition
purine
noun
pu·rine
ˈpyu̇(ə)r-ˌēn
1
: a crystalline base C5H4N4 that is the parent of compounds of the uric-acid group
2
: a derivative of purine
especially
: a base (as adenine or guanine) that is a constituent of DNA or RNA
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