thiamine

noun thi·a·mine \ˈthī-ə-mən, -ˌmēn\

: a natural substance (called a vitamin) that is found in certain foods and that helps your body to be healthy

Full Definition of THIAMINE

: a vitamin C₁₂H₁₇N₄OSCl of the vitamin B complex that is essential to normal metabolism and nerve function and is widespread in plants and animals —called also vitamin B₁

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Variants of THIAMINE

thi·a·mine also thi·a·min \-mən\

Origin of THIAMINE

thiamine alteration of thiamin, from thi- + -amin (as in vitamin)

First Known Use: 1937

Rhymes with THIAMINE

backgammon, examine

THIAMINE Defined for Kids

thiamine

noun thi·a·mine \ˈthī-ə-mən\

Definition of THIAMINE for Kids

: a type of vitamin B that is used by the body to convert carbohydrates into energy and to maintain normal nerve function

Variants of THIAMINE

thi·a·mine also thi·a·min \ˈthī-ə-mən\

Medical Dictionary

thiamine

noun thi·a·mine \ˈthī-ə-mən, -ˌmēn\

Medical Definition of THIAMINE

: a vitamin C₁₂H₁₇N₄OSCl of the B complex that is an amino hydroxy quaternary ammonium water-soluble salt containing a thiazole ring and a pyrimidine ring, that occurs widely both free (as in the germs of cereals and hulls of grain) and combined (as in yeast and in animal tissues like liver, kidneys, and heart) but is usually synthesized commercially, that functions in the body as a cocarboxylase and is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and for normal functioning of the nervous system, and that is used in nutrition (as in vitamin preparations and in enriching flour and bread) and in medicine—called also vitamin B₁