Xanthine
a crystalline, nitrogenous compound, c 5 h 4 n 4 o 2 , related to uric acid, occurring in urine, blood, and certain animal and vegetable tissues.
any derivative of this compound.
historical examples
the chemistry of food and nutrition a. w. duncan
scientific american supplement, no. 415, december 15, 1883 various
the art of perfumery g. w. septimus piesse
noun
a crystalline compound related in structure to uric acid and found in urine, blood, certain plants, and certain animal tissues. formula: c5h4n4o2
any subst-tuted derivative of xanthine, esp one of the three pharmacologically active methylated xanthines, caffeine, theophylline, or theobromine, which act as stimulants and diuretics
xanthine
(zān’thēn’, -thĭn)
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- Xanthism
noun a condition of skin, fur, or feathers in which yellow coloration predominates historical examples colouration in animals and plants alfred tylor
- Xantho-
a combining form meaning “yellow,” used in the formation of compound words: xanthophyll. combining form indicating yellow: xanthophyll
- Xanthochroid
adjective (rare) of, relating to, or designating races having light-coloured hair and a pale complexion
- Xanthochroism
noun a condition in certain animals, esp aquarium goldfish, in which all skin pigments other than yellow and orange disappear