xanthine

noun xan·thine \ ˈzan-ˌthēn \

Definition of xanthine

: a feebly basic compound C₅H₄N₄O₂ that occurs especially in animal or plant tissue, is derived from guanine and hypoxanthine, and yields uric acid on oxidation; also : any of various derivatives of xanthine (such as methylxanthine)

Origin and Etymology of xanthine

International Scientific Vocabulary

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First Known Use: 1857

in the meaning defined above

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Medical Dictionary

xanthine

noun xan·thine \ ˈzan-ˌthēn \

medical Definition of xanthine

: a feebly basic compound C₅H₄N₄O₂ that occurs especially in animal or plant tissue, is derived from guanine and hypoxanthine, and yields uric acid on oxidation; also : any of various derivatives of this