Definitions for: Xanthine


[n] crystalline oxidation product of the metabolism of nucleoproteins; precursor of uric acid; found in many organs and in urine



Webster (1913) Definition: Xan"thine, n. Also Xanthin Xan"thin . [Gr. xanqo`s
yellow.] (Physiol. Chem.)
A white microcrystalline nitrogenous compound, C5H4O2N4,
present in muscle tissue, in the liver, spleen, pancreas, and
other organs, and also in urine (in small quantities) and
some urinary calculi, and in the juices of certain plants; --
so called because it leaves a yellow residue when evaporated
to dryness with nitric acid. Xanthine is closely related to
uric acid.

See Also: organic compound

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