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

---

Etymology

Origin of xanthin

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

xanthin

The spinal and muscular hyperic excitability produced by caffein is, in his opinion, due to the methyl groups attached to the xanthin nucleus.

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

Most of the nitrogenous material of the broth is in the form of creatin, sarkin, and xanthin, nitrogenous extractives or amid substances having a much lower food value than proteids.

From Human Foods and Their Nutritive Value by Harry Snyder

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 Rosa Belle Holt

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 Rupert H. Wheldon

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

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