thiamine

American  

[thahy-uh-min, -meen] / ˈθaɪ ə mɪn, -ˌmin /

Also thiamin

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble compound of the vitamin-B complex, containing a thiazole and a pyrimidine group, C 12 H 17 ClN 4 OS, essential for normal functioning of the nervous system, a deficiency of which results chiefly in beriberi and other nerve disorders: occurring in many natural sources, as green peas, liver, and especially the seed coats of cereal grains, the commercial product of which is chiefly synthesized in the form of its chloride salt thiamine hydrochloride for therapeutic administration, or in nitrate form thiamine mononitrate for enriching flour mixes.

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thiamine British  

/ ˈθaɪəˌmiːn, ˈθaɪəmɪn, -mɪn /

noun

1. Also: vitamin B1.   aneurin.  biochem a soluble white crystalline vitamin that occurs in the outer coat of rice and other grains. It forms part of the vitamin B complex and is essential for carbohydrate metabolism: deficiency leads to nervous disorders and to the disease beriberi. Formula: C 12 H 17 ON 4 SCl.H 2 O

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thiamine Scientific  

/ thī′ə-mĭn /

1. A water-soluble pyrimidine derivative belonging to the vitamin B complex that is important in carbohydrate metabolism and normal activity of the nervous system. It is found in pork, organ meats, whole grain cereals, legumes, and nuts. Deficiency of thiamine in the diet results in beriberi. Also called vitamin B ₁ . Chemical formula: C ₁₂ H ₁₇ ClN ₄ OS.

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Etymology

Origin of thiamine

First recorded in 1905–10; thi- + amine

Example Sentences

For decades, scientists believed that vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, might briefly form a carbene-like structure inside cells to help drive essential biochemical reactions.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2026

In addition, it supplies several vitamins, including thiamine, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.

From Science Daily • Jan. 16, 2026

Flour is already fortified with calcium, niacin, thiamine and iron as a means of improving public health.

From BBC • Nov. 14, 2024

State and federal scientists have also been trying to address a deficiency of thiamine that is harming salmon.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2024

Once endemic in parts of Asia, which disease is caused by a deficiency of thiamine?

From Slate • Feb. 29, 2024