theobromine

noun theo·bro·mine \ ˌthē-ə-ˈbrō-ˌmēn , -mən \

Definition of theobromine

: a bitter alkaloid C₇H₈N₄O₂ closely related to caffeine that occurs especially in cacao beans and has stimulant and diuretic properties

Recent Examples of theobromine from the Web

The kicker is this drink’s concentration of theobromine, which is an alkaloid that acts similarly to caffeine (stimulating) but without the actual caffeine (or acidity) of coffee.

— rachelle robinett, Bon Appetit, "7 Ways to Get the Healthy, Chocolatey Goodness of Cacao into Your Diet," 27 Sep. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of theobromine

New Latin Theobroma, genus that includes the cacao, from the- + Greek brōma food, from bibrōskein to devour — more at voracious

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1842

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

theobromine

noun theo·bro·mine \ ˌthē-ə-ˈbrō-ˌmēn , -mən \

medical Definition of theobromine

: a bitter alkaloid C₇H₈N₄O₂ closely related to caffeine that occurs especially in cacao beans and is used as a diuretic, myocardial stimulant, and vasodilator