We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Find out more

Subscriber login

Library card login

Other

X Close menu

Dictionary Language resources

purine

Syllabification: (pu·rine)

Pronunciation: /ˈpyo͝orˌēn/

Definition of purine

noun

Chemistry

a colorless crystalline compound with basic properties, forming uric acid on oxidation.
- A bicyclic compound; chemical formula: C₅H₄N₄
(also purine base) a substituted derivative of this, especially the bases adenine and guanine present in DNA and RNA.