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

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Compare meaning

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

• adenine vs. adenosine

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

adenosine

The second track, “Heart Has to Work So Hard,” touches on the difficulty of making relationships work, but also mentions the biological compound adenosine, used by cardiologists to regulate the titular organ’s rhythm.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026

It does this by blocking the action of adenosine, a chemical that builds up in the brain throughout the day and makes us feel sleepy.

From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026

One important process is ATP hydrolysis, which is how cells break down adenosine triphosphate to release energy.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 16, 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

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