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definitions

xanthin

[zan-thin]
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noun

the part of the coloring matter in yellow flowers that is insoluble in water.Compare xanthein.
a yellow coloring matter in madder.

Origin of xanthin

1830–40; < French xanthine or < German Xanthin. See xantho-, -in2
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for xanthin

Historical Examples of xanthin

  • In the roots three coloring matters are obtained: alizarin and purpurin, which are both red, and xanthin, which is yellow.

  • The xanthin group is almost without any excitatory action, and its metabolic end products are constant.

    All About Coffee

    William H. Ukers

  • Xanthin and catechol browns are pleasing in appearance, but their effect is less rich than that obtained with potash.

British Dictionary definitions for xanthin

xanthin

noun

any of a group of yellow or orange carotene derivatives that occur in the fruit and flowers of certain plants
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012