theine

American  

[thee-een, -in] / ˈθi in, -ɪn /

noun

1. caffeine, especially in tea.

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theine British  

/ ˈθiːiːn, -ɪn /

noun

1. another name for caffeine, esp when present in tea

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Etymology

Origin of theine

First recorded in 1830–40; from New Latin the(a) “tea” ( see origin at tea) + -ine ²

Example Sentences

Half-minims were placed, in each case; on the discs of at least six leaves, but no inflection was caused, except perhaps a very slight amount by the theine.

From Insectivorous Plants by Darwin, Charles

Cocoa and chocolate contain substances similar to theine and equally harmful, though usually present in much less proportion than in tea.

From Science in the Kitchen. by Kellogg, Mrs. E. E.

The chemical principle of tea, namely theine, was subsequently tried and produced no effect.

From Insectivorous Plants by Darwin, Charles

Through: tre uisge is tre theine, through water and through fire.

From Elements of Gaelic Grammar by Stewart, Alexander

The berries contain theine; so also do the leaves, and in some countries the latter are preferred.

From Catalogue of Economic Plants in the Collection of the U. S. Department of Agriculture by Saunders, William