spermine

American  

[spur-meen, -min] / ˈspɜr min, -mɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a polyamine, H 2 N(CH2 ) 3 NH(CH2 ) 4 NH(CH2 ) 3 NH 2 , formed from spermidine and occurring in all cells, especially prevalent in semen, sputum, pancreatic tissue, and certain yeasts.

---

spermine British  

/ ˈspɜːmiːn, -mɪn /

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

---

Etymology

Origin of spermine

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

spermine

"The spermine is like cheese that connects the long, thin noodles without gluing them together, making them easier to digest."

From Science Daily ● Nov. 27, 2025

"And spermine is, so to speak, the binding agent that brings the strands together. There are only weakly attractive electrical forces between the molecules, and these organise them but do not firmly bind them together."

From Science Daily ● Nov. 27, 2025

In connection with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, there has previously been evidence that spermine can protect nerve cells and alleviate age-related memory loss.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 27, 2025

In the context of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, earlier work had already suggested that spermine can protect nerve cells and ease age-related memory problems.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 27, 2025

I believe in Koch and in spermine and praise God for it.

From Letters of Anton Chekhov by Constance Garnett