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xanthin

American  
[zan-thin] / ˈzæn θɪn /

noun

  1. the part of the coloring matter in yellow flowers that is insoluble in water.

  2. a yellow coloring matter in madder.


xanthin British  
/ ˈzænθɪn /

noun

  1. 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

Etymology

Origin of xanthin

1830–40; < French xanthine or < German Xanthin. See xantho-, -in 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From All About Coffee by Ukers, William H. (William Harrison)

The principal purins are hypoxanthin, xanthin, uric acid, guanin, adenin, caffeine and theobromine.

From The Chemistry of Food and Nutrition by Duncan, A. W.

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

From Rugs: Oriental and Occidental, Antique & Modern A Handbook for Ready Reference by Holt, Rosa Belle

When thus taxed all other toxic substances including uric acid and the xanthin bodies pass through the liver unoxidized to appear in the urine.

From Alcohol: A Dangerous and Unnecessary Medicine, How and Why What Medical Writers Say by Allen, Martha Meir

But in opposition to these views Dr. Haig thinks that as the outer brown husk of all cereals contains some xanthin, it should on this account be removed.

From No Animal Food and Nutrition and Diet with Vegetable Recipes by Wheldon, Rupert H.

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