azathioprine

[ az-uh-thahy-uh-preen ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a cytotoxic purine analog, C 9 H 7 N 7 O 2 S, used as an immunosuppressive in organ transplantations and in rheumatoid arthritis and connective tissue disorders.

azathioprine

/ ˌæzəˈθaɪəˌpriːn /

noun

1. a synthetic drug that suppresses the normal immune responses of the body and is administered orally during and after organ transplantation and also in certain types of autoimmune disease. Formula: C 9 H 7 N 7 O 2 S

Word History and Origins

Origin of azathioprine¹

1960–65; coinage apparently based on imidazol, thio-, and purine, parts of the chemical name

Word History and Origins

Origin of azathioprine¹

C20: from aza- + thio- + p ( u ) rine