porphyrin
noun
por·phy·rin
ˈpȯr-fə-rən 
: any of various compounds with a macrocyclic structure that consists essentially of four pyrrole rings joined by four =CH− groups
especially
: one (such as chlorophyll or hemoglobin) containing a central metal atom and usually exhibiting biological activity
Examples of porphyrin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The structure of the porphyrin has been simplified in this diagram.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 29 Mar. 2024
That's because blue light is an effective weapon against bacteria porphyrins, which are sensitive to light.
—USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024
The report consisted of eight general analyses: spots, wrinkles, texture, pores, UV spots, brown spots, red areas, and porphyrins.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 16 Nov. 2023
The mutation affects an enzyme involved in turning compounds called porphyrins and porphyrin precursors into heme, which makes up hemoglobin, the iron-containing red protein in blood responsible for transporting oxygen.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 28 Apr. 2023
But there are other pigments to look for in fossils, including carotenoids, which produce bright reds and yellows, and porphyrins, which produce such hues as green, red and blue.
—Jakob Vinther, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2017
The researchers’ gold-scrubber is based on an organic compound called a porphyrin.
—Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, 28 June 2020
The compounds, called porphyrins, had previously been shown to be adept at absorbing light and using that energy to convert oxygen molecules in the air to a reactive form known as singlet oxygen.
—Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, 3 Sep. 2019
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IEEE Spectrum, 29 Mar. 2024
That's because blue light is an effective weapon against bacteria porphyrins, which are sensitive to light.
—USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024
The report consisted of eight general analyses: spots, wrinkles, texture, pores, UV spots, brown spots, red areas, and porphyrins.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 16 Nov. 2023
The mutation affects an enzyme involved in turning compounds called porphyrins and porphyrin precursors into heme, which makes up hemoglobin, the iron-containing red protein in blood responsible for transporting oxygen.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 28 Apr. 2023
But there are other pigments to look for in fossils, including carotenoids, which produce bright reds and yellows, and porphyrins, which produce such hues as green, red and blue.
—Jakob Vinther, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2017
The researchers’ gold-scrubber is based on an organic compound called a porphyrin.
—Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, 28 June 2020
The compounds, called porphyrins, had previously been shown to be adept at absorbing light and using that energy to convert oxygen molecules in the air to a reactive form known as singlet oxygen.
—Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, 3 Sep. 2019
Dictionary Entries Near porphyrin
Cite this Entry
“Porphyrin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/porphyrin. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
porphyrin
noun
por·phy·rin
ˈpȯr-fə-rən
: any of various compounds with a structure that consists essentially of four pyrrole rings joined by four =CH− groups
especially
: one (as chlorophyll or hemoglobin) containing a central metal atom and usually having biological activity
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