spermine

[ spur-meen, -min ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a polyamine, H 2 N(CH 2 ) 3 NH(CH 2 ) 4 NH(CH 2 ) 3 NH 2 , formed from spermidine and occurring in all cells, especially prevalent in semen, sputum, pancreatic tissue, and certain yeasts.

spermine

/ -mɪn; ˈspɜːmiːn /

noun

1. a white or colourless basic water-soluble amine that is found in semen, sputum, and animal tissues; diaminopropyltetramethylenediamine. Formula: C 10 H 26 N 4

Word History and Origins

Origin of spermine¹

First recorded in 1890–95; sperm- + -ine ²