adenosine

American  

[uh-den-uh-seen, -sin] / əˈdɛn əˌsin, -sɪn /

noun

1. Biochemistry. a white, crystalline, water-soluble nucleoside, C 10 H 13 N 5 O 4 , of adenine and ribose.

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adenosine British  

/ ˌædɪˈnəʊsiːn, æˈdɛnəˌsiːn /

noun

1. biochem a nucleoside formed by the condensation of adenine and ribose. It is present in all living cells in a combined form, as in ribonucleic acids. Formula: C 10 H 13 N 5 O 4

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adenosine Scientific  

/ ə-dĕn′ə-sēn′ /

1. A compound consisting of adenine combined with ribose. Adenosine is one of the nucleotides in DNA and is also a component of ADP, AMP, and ATP. Chemical formula: C ₁₀ H ₁₃ N ₅ O ₄ .

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Etymology

Origin of adenosine

1905–10; < German Adenosin, blend of Adenin adenine and Ribose ribose

Compare meaning

How does adenosine compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• adenine vs. adenosine

Example Sentences

As you exercise your body produces a chemical called adenosine which makes you feel tired.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2025

Caffeine is a psychostimulant that works by blocking the adenosine receptors in the brain, which are linked to sleep, memory and learning.

From Salon • Dec. 22, 2024

Throughout the day, your body produces a chemical called adenosine, which binds to receptors in your brain and makes you feel drowsy.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2024

"The antibody could be delivered via an injection to the back of the eyes, an approach often used in eye clinics, to block the activation of adenosine to Adora2A," Huo says.

From Science Daily • May 2, 2024

But in excess, adenosine can lead to excessive blood vessel growth.

From Science Daily • May 2, 2024