taurine

1 of 2

adjective

tau·​rine ˈtȯ-ˌrīn 

: of or relating to a bull : bovine

taurine

2 of 2

noun

tau·​rine ˈtȯ-ˌrēn 

: a crystalline acid C₂H₇NO₃S that is synthesized in the body from cysteine and methionine, is similar to amino acids but is not a component of proteins, and is involved in various physiological functions (such as bile acid conjugation and cell membrane stabilization)

Examples of taurine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

To figure that out will take a large, years-long, very expensive clinical trial giving some people taurine and others a placebo. —Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 8 June 2023

To examine this, researchers measured the biological mechanisms behind aging—such as memory, organ strength, and inflammation—to determine how taurine supplementation affects overall health. —Byalexa Mikhail, Fortune Well, 9 June 2023

Noun

All flavors have caffeine, vitamins and taurine — an amino acid common in popular energy drinks that has been touted as helping to improve exercise performance, though more studies are needed. —Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 25 June 2024

What distinguishes an energy drink from other soft drinks is its high level of caffeine, along with additives like taurine (an amino acid), B-12 (a vitamin) and guarana extract (from an Amazonian fruit). —Jeffrey Gettleman, New York Times, 8 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin taurinus, from taurus bull; akin to Greek tauros bull, Middle Irish tarb

Noun

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin taurus; from its having been discovered in ox bile

First Known Use

Adjective

1613, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1845, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

taurine

noun

tau·​rine ˈtȯ-ˌrēn 

: a colorless crystalline acid C₂H₇NO₃S that is synthesized in the body from cysteine and methionine, is similar to amino acids but is not a component of proteins, and is involved in various physiological functions (as bile acid conjugation and cell membrane stabilization)