purine

noun pu·rine \ ˈpyu̇r-ˌēn \

Updated on: 13 Mar 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of purine

German Purin, from Latin purus pure + New Latin uricus uric (from English uric) + German -in ²-ine

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1898

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

purine

noun pu·rine \ ˈpyu̇(ə)r-ˌēn \

medical 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 (as adenine or guanine) that is a constituent of DNA or RNA

Learn More about purine

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about purine

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up purine? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

purine

Definition of purine

Recent Examples of purine from the Web

Origin and Etymology of purine

Medical Dictionary

purine

medical Definition of purine

Learn More about purine

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

cathexis

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Spell It

Citation

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Trending: HRC: Media Opened Door to 'Charlatans'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

purine

Definition of purine

Recent Examples of purine from the Web

Origin and Etymology of purine

Medical Dictionary

purine

medical Definition of purine

Learn More about purine

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Trending: HRC: Media Opened Door to 'Charlatans'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes