purine

noun pu·rine \ˈpyu̇r-ˌēn\

Definition of PURINE

: a crystalline base C₅H₄N₄ that is the parent of compounds of the uric-acid group

: a derivative of purine; especially : a base (as adenine or guanine) that is a constituent of DNA or RNA

See purine defined for kids

German Purin, from Latin purus pure + New Latin uricus uric (from English uric) + German -in ²-ine

First Known Use: 1898

Medical Dictionary

noun pu·rine \ˈpyu̇(ə)r-ˌēn\

: a crystalline base C₅H₄N₄ that is the parent of compounds of the uric-acid group

: a derivative of purine; especially : a base (as adenine or guanine) that is a constituent of DNA or RNA

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