taurine

1 of 2

adjective

tau·rine ˈtȯ-ˌrīn

: of or relating to a bull : bovine

taurine

2 of 2

: a crystalline acid C₂H₇NO₃S that is synthesized in the body from cysteine and methionine, is similar to amino acids but is not a component of proteins, and is involved in various physiological functions (such as bile acid conjugation and cell membrane stabilization)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These vegan capsules are loaded with L-theanine, magnesium, relora powder, holy basil extract, and L-taurine to support mind and body tranquility. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 10 Nov. 2022 Not all cat foods incorporate ingredients like taurine that help maintain vision and heart function, but this one does. —

Dallas News, 22 Dec. 2022 Enjoy a tranquil mind and body with the power of taurine, L-theanine, holy basil extract, magnesium, and Relora powder. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2022 Key ingredients creatine and taurine work to strengthen the hair’s fibers and simultaneously moisturize your scalp. —

Sam Peters, ELLE, 11 Nov. 2022 Each serving is packed with betaine, L-glycine, taurine, caffeine, and creatine. —

The Salt Lake Tribune, 28 Oct. 2022 According to PetMD, cats also need higher proportions of protein in their diet than dogs, as well as taurine, arachidonic acid, vitamin A and niacin. —

Jacob Livesay, USA TODAY, 22 July 2022 Felines like tigers and lions, for example, need taurine in their diet, an essential amino acid critical for normal vision, digestion, heart muscle function, and other health factors. —

Zachary Smith, cleveland, 26 May 2022 For example, many energy drinks also contain another stimulant called taurine that may amplify the effects of caffeine, Forbes reported. —

Bayliss Wagner, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2021 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin taurinus, from taurus bull; akin to Greek tauros bull, Middle Irish tarb

Noun

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin taurus; from its having been discovered in ox bile

First Known Use

Adjective

1613, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of taurine was in 1613

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Taurine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taurine. Accessed 28 Jan. 2023.

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Medical Definition

taurine

noun

tau·rine ˈtȯ-ˌrēn

: a colorless crystalline acid C₂H₇NO₃S that is synthesized in the body from cysteine and methionine, is similar to amino acids but is not a component of proteins, and is involved in various physiological functions (as bile acid conjugation and cell membrane stabilization)