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

Niacinamide and taurine work in tandem to help soothe and fortify the skin barrier, while multiple forms of vitamin C promote a brighter, more luminous complexion without that sticky texture commonly associated with vitamin C serums. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2025

Some medical studies have found taurine, an amino acid, to help with athletic performance, heart health and exercise recovery. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

Noun

Taurine is typically used for congestive heart failure and hepatitis, but lately some beverage companies have been promoting energy drinks infused with taurine, marketed as a boost for athletes. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

Functional notes: The strawberry mango Elevate offers some energy drink vibes, complete with taurine—but the effect is much more subdued, with modest caffeine and a slight GABA kick that amounts to a microdosed head high. —Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 6 Nov. 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)