purine

noun

pu·​rine ˈpyu̇r-ˌēn How to pronounce purine (audio)
1
: a crystalline base C5H4N4 that is the parent of compounds of the uric-acid group
2
: a derivative of purine
especially : a base (such as adenine or guanine) that is a constituent of DNA or RNA

Examples of purine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
May Reduce Uric Acid Levels Uric acid is a waste product made when your body breaks down purines, compounds naturally found in certain foods and drinks like meat, seafood, and alcohol. Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Oct. 2024 These findings underscore the nuanced interplay of neurotransmitter synthesis, lipid metabolism, microbial activity, and purine metabolism associated with omnivorous dietary patterns. New Atlas, 28 July 2024 It's broken down in the body from dietary purine, a chemical compound found in alcohol, meat, seafood, sugar, and alcohol.67 Infections There is a link between infections and arthritis. Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Health, 21 July 2024 Foods high in purines tend to up your uric acid levels. Anne Harding, Health, 25 Aug. 2023 Keep in mind that not all purine sources are equal. Anne Harding, Health, 25 Aug. 2023 Risk factors include a diet high in purines (i.e., in some seafood and red meat) and obesity.7 Infection arthritis: This happens due to a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection that spreads to your joints. Cory Martin, Health, 23 Aug. 2023 For example, foods high in purines, such as organ meats and certain fish, can contribute to the formation of purine stones. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 10 Aug. 2023 In humans, it's associated with foods that have a high purine content, such as red meat -- something that no doubt made up the bulk of T. rex meals. Katie Hunt, CNN, 23 Sep. 2021

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of purine was in 1898

Dictionary Entries Near purine

Cite this Entry

“Purine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purine. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

purine

noun
pu·​rine ˈpyu̇(ə)r-ˌēn How to pronounce purine (audio)
: any of a group of bases including several (as adenine or guanine) that are important parts of DNA and RNA

Medical Definition

purine

noun
pu·​rine ˈpyu̇(ə)r-ˌēn How to pronounce purine (audio)
1
: a crystalline base C5H4N4 that is the parent of compounds of the uric-acid group
2
: a derivative of purine
especially : a base (as adenine or guanine) that is a constituent of DNA or RNA

More from Merriam-Webster on purine

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