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

The scientists also found that besides bolstering our innate immune system, boosting taurine levels may actually also subdue inflammaging symptoms. — New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026

Taurine is a checkpoint of inflammation Dixit expected that taurine levels might decrease with age. — Kristel Tjandra, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026

Noun

The scientists found that taurine plays a pivotal role in how the innate immune system picks up on danger signals. — New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026

By comparing the blood serum of young (20- to 40-year-old) and older (60- to 99-year-old) people, his team found that taurine actually increased with age. — Kristel Tjandra, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026

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

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)