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

Caffeine blocks the adenosine receptors in your nerves, so your brain perceives less pain and fatigue.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2025

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

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

From Science Daily • May 28, 2024

Intense light stabilizes the PER2 gene and increases levels of adenosine, which blocks electrical signals in the heart that cause irregular rhythms, making it cardiac protective.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 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