phorbin

noun

phor·​bin

-rbə̇n

plural -s

1

: a magnesium-free compound C₂₂H₁₈N₄ that is the parent of chlorophyll in that it contains the unsubstituted ring structure of chlorophyll consisting of one carbocyclic ring in addition to the porphin ring system

2

: any of several magnesium-free derivatives of chlorophyll (as pheophytin) that contain its characteristic ring structure compare chlorin

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary phorb- (Greek phorbē pasture, fodder) + -in

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