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

It increases levels of CD73, which in turn raises levels of adenosine.

From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026

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

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2025

Because adenosine levels in your brain decrease while you sleep, they’re at their lowest immediately after you wake up, Grandner said.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2024

This leads to more production of adenosine triphosphate, a molecule that stores and transfers energy in the cells.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2024

Caffeine consumed even six hours before bed can make it difficult to fall asleep because it blocks the hormone adenosine, which promotes sleepiness.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2024