uric acid

American  

noun

1. Biochemistry. a compound, C 5 H 4 N 4 O 3 , present in mammalian urine in small amounts, and the principal nitrogenous component of the excrement of reptiles and birds, that in the form of its salts occurs in the joints in gout and as the major constituent of kidney stones.

2. Chemistry. a white, crystalline, odorless, tasteless, very slightly water-soluble powder form of this compound, obtained chiefly from urine or bird excrement or synthesized, used chiefly in organic synthesis.

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uric acid British  

noun

1. a white odourless tasteless crystalline product of protein metabolism, present in the blood and urine; 2,6,8-trihydroxypurine. Formula: C 5 H 4 N 4 O 3

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uric acid Scientific  

/ yr′ĭk /

1. The chief nitrogen-containing waste product excreted in the urine of birds, insects, and most reptiles. It is produced by the breakdown of amino acids in the liver. Uric acid is also produced in small quantities in humans by the breakdown of purines, and elevated levels in the blood can lead to gout. Chemical formula: C ₅ H ₄ N ₄ O ₃ .

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Other Word Forms

• uric-acid adjective

Etymology

Origin of uric acid

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

"By lowering uric acid, we could potentially prevent multiple diseases at once."

From Science Daily

In a study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, researchers examined the solid urine of more than 20 different reptile species and found that all contained tiny spheres made of uric acid.

From Science Daily

Along with uric acid, glomerular filtration rate is a key measure of kidney health.

From Science Daily

The green markings represent uric acid crystals that can develop around bones and joints — in this case, around the spine.

From Seattle Times

In addition to temperature and pH, the bandage's biosensor monitors levels of ammonium, glucose, lactate and uric acid; together these measurements provide information about inflammation, infection and stage of healing.

From Scientific American