xanthine

American  

[zan-theen, -thin] / ˈzæn θin, -θɪn /

noun

Biochemistry, Chemistry.

1. a crystalline, nitrogenous compound, C 5 H 4 N 4 O 2 , related to uric acid, occurring in urine, blood, and certain animal and vegetable tissues.

2. any derivative of this compound.

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xanthine British  

/ ˈzænθiːn, -θaɪn /

noun

1. a crystalline compound related in structure to uric acid and found in urine, blood, certain plants, and certain animal tissues. Formula: C 5 H 4 N 4 O 2

2. any substituted derivative of xanthine, esp one of the three pharmacologically active methylated xanthines, caffeine, theophylline, or theobromine, which act as stimulants and diuretics

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xanthine Scientific  

/ zăn′thēn′,-thĭn /

1. Any of various purines having two oxygen atoms attached to the six-member ring of carbon and nitrogen atoms. Xanthines include caffeine, theophylline (a toxic alkaloid found in tea leaves), and theobromine (a toxic alkaloid found in cocoa).

2. The simplest of this class of compounds, forming yellowish-white crystals. It is produced in the body as an intermediate stage in the breakdown of purines to uric acid. It is also found in blood and in certain plants. Chemical formula: C ₅ H ₄ N ₄ O ₂ .

3. Any of several derivatives of this compound.

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Etymology

Origin of xanthine

From French, dating back to 1855–60; see origin at xantho-, -ine ²

Explanation

Xanthine is a chemical compound that the body produces naturally as a byproduct of breaking down certain substances in food and cells. It exists in most bodily tissues and fluids. Xanthine is not only present in our bodies; it is also present in some plants and plant products, such as coffee, tea, and chocolate. The name xanthine is derived from the Greek word xanthos, meaning "yellow." That's because the chemical compound appears white to pale yellow in its pure form and more yellowish in certain mixtures and conditions. In early chemistry, scientists often named compounds based on their color or the color produced during chemical reactions.

Example Sentences

Dr. Ball purified xanthine oxidase, an enzyme necessary for oxidation of food in the body; found it consisted of a protein fraction and a non-protein fraction containing phosphorus, nitrogen, Vitamin B2.

From Time Magazine Archive

In 1881-1882 he published papers which established the formulae of uric acid, xanthine, caffeine, theobromine and some other compounds of this group.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 4 "Finland" to "Fleury, Andre" by Various

This precipitate we treat with cold alcohol, which leaves behind the fatty acids, and dissolves the xanthine.

From The Art of Perfumery And Methods of Obtaining the Odors of Plants by Piesse, George William Septimus

It comprises the xanthine group and the uric acid group of bodies.

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

Xantheine, or the Coloring Matter soluble in water.—By the preparation of the substance which colors yellow certain dahlias, it is at once perceived that it has no analogy to xanthine.

From The Art of Perfumery And Methods of Obtaining the Odors of Plants by Piesse, George William Septimus