pyrimidine

noun

py·rim·i·dine pī-ˈri-mə-ˌdēn

pə-

: a feeble organic base C₄H₄N₂ of penetrating odor

: a derivative of pyrimidine

especially : a base (such as cytosine, thymine, or uracil) that is a constituent of DNA or RNA

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Frozen in ice under ultraviolet radiation, high vacuum and low temperature, the pyrimidine turned into uracil, cytosine and thymine, major components of earthly DNA and RNA. —

Sidney Perkowitz, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2017 The radiation and harsh temperatures broke down pyrimidine in the ice and formed new compounds related to life, such as uracil and cytosine. —

Sidney Perkowitz, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2017

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

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, alteration of pyridine

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of pyrimidine was in 1885

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Pyrimidine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyrimidine. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

pyrimidine

noun

py·rim·i·dine pī-ˈrim-ə-ˌdēn

pə-

: any of a group of bases including several (as cytosine and thymine) that are important parts of DNA or RNA

Medical Definition

pyrimidine

noun

py·rim·i·dine pī-ˈrim-ə-ˌdēn, pə-

: a weakly basic organic compound C₄H₂N₂ of penetrating odor that is composed of a single six-membered ring having four carbon atoms with nitrogen atoms in positions one and three

: a derivative of pyrimidine having its characteristic ring structure

especially : a base (as cytosine, thymine, or uracil) that is a constituent of DNA or RNA