Xanthine

Pronunciation

• Homophones: xanthein, xanthene

Origin

From French xanthine, ultimately from Ancient Greek ξανθός (xanthós), "yellow", because xanthine is yellowish-white.

Full definition of xanthine

Noun

1. (chemistry) Any of a group of alkaloids that include caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine as well as the parent compound, a precursor of uric acid found in many organs of the body.

Usage notes

There is much confusion between this word and xanthein, and they are often interchanged.

Derived terms

• xanthine oxidase

Anagrams

• xanthein