pterin

noun

pter·​in ˈter-ən How to pronounce pterin (audio)
: any of various compounds that contain the bicyclic ring system characteristic of pteridine

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary pter- (from Greek pteron wing) + -in entry 1; from its being a factor in the pigments of butterfly wings

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pterin was in 1934

Dictionary Entries Near pterin

Cite this Entry

“Pterin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pterin. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

pterin

noun
pter·​in ˈter-ən How to pronounce pterin (audio)
: any of various compounds that contain the bicyclic ring system characteristic of pteridine

More from Merriam-Webster on pterin

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!