taurine

1 of 2

adjective

tau·​rine ˈtȯ-ˌrīn 

: of or relating to a bull : bovine

taurine

2 of 2

noun

tau·​rine ˈtȯ-ˌrēn 

: 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)

Examples of taurine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

For this reason, people taking blood pressure medications should check with their healthcare provider before taking taurine supplements. —Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 5 Nov. 2024

When shopping for taurine supplements, read product labels carefully and avoid supplements that contain ingredients that may not be safe for you. —Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 5 Nov. 2024

Noun

More research on longevity Is the nutrient taurine really a key to healthy aging? —Linda Carroll, NBC news, 18 June 2025

Study casts doubt on popular supplement’s anti-aging benefits A massive study in humans, mice, and monkeys pours doubt on whether the amino acid taurine has the anti-aging properties it was thought to hold. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 10 June 2025

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

Rhymes for taurine

• chlorin
• doron
• florin
• foreign
• goran
• laurin
• morin
• leucovorin

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)