tetrapyrrole

noun

tet·​ra·​pyr·​role ˌte-trə-ˈpir-ˌōl How to pronounce tetrapyrrole (audio)
: a chemical group consisting of four pyrrole rings joined either in a straight chain or in a ring (as in chlorophyll)

Examples of tetrapyrrole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Chlorophyll is actually a generic name for a member of the tetrapyrrole family of organic compounds. Kevin Dayhoff, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 2 Oct. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tetrapyrrole.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tetrapyrrole was circa 1928

Dictionary Entries Near tetrapyrrole

Cite this Entry

“Tetrapyrrole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tetrapyrrole. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

tetrapyrrole

noun
tet·​ra·​pyr·​role
variants also tetrapyrrol
: a chemical group consisting of four pyrrole rings joined either in a straight chain (as in phycobilins) or in a ring (as in chlorophyll)

More from Merriam-Webster on tetrapyrrole

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