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

For this reason, people taking blood pressure medications should check with their healthcare provider before taking taurine supplements. —Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 5 Nov. 2024

When shopping for taurine supplements, read product labels carefully and avoid supplements that contain ingredients that may not be safe for you. —Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 5 Nov. 2024

Noun

The condition was triggered by a lot of things: altitude, junk food, rides that send you in loops, barometric-pressure changes, the taurine in Red Bull, and red wine. —Justine Harman, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025

Both taurine and cysteine naturally occur in the body, while methionine can be consumed by eating protein sources. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for taurine

• chlorin
• doron
• florin
• foreign
• goran
• laurin
• morin
• leucovorin

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)