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

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

In humans, it's associated with foods that have a high purine content, such as red meat -- something that no doubt made up the bulk of T. rex meals. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 23 Sep. 2021

The foods most likely to contribute to these inner stalagmites are high in the chemical compound purine, among them venison and foie gras, pheasant and scallops, goose and caviar. —Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 13 Nov. 2020

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, 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, 8 Oct. 2017

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids 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