thymine

[ thahy-meen, -min ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a pyrimidine base, C 5 H 6 N 2 O 2 , that is one of the principal components of DNA, in which it is paired with adenine. : T

thymine

/ ˈθaɪmiːn /

noun

1. a white crystalline pyrimidine base found in DNA. Formula: C 5 H 6 N 2 O 2

thymine

/ thī′mēn′ /

1. A pyrimidine base that is a component of DNA. It forms a base pair with adenine. Chemical formula: C 5 H 6 N 2 O 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of thymine¹

First recorded in 1890–95; thym(ic) ² + -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of thymine¹

C19: from thymic (see thymus ) + -ine ²

Example Sentences

Of the four basic components on the right, thymine occurs in the nucleic acid from the thymus gland.

From Project Gutenberg

The difference between these two bases is one methyl group: thymine is a 5-methyluracil.

From Project Gutenberg