purine

noun

pu·​rine ˈpyu̇r-ˌēn 

1

: a crystalline base C₅H₄N₄ that is the parent of compounds of the uric-acid group

2

: a derivative of purine

especially : a base (such as adenine or guanine) that is a constituent of DNA or RNA

Examples of purine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sardines are also high in purines, a chemical found in fish and other foods that can raise your uric acid levels and increase your risk for gout, Hadley adds. —Erica Sweeney, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Aug. 2025

An affinity for water Earlier research showed that the ADSL variation in modern humans makes the enzyme less stable and less effective in its production of purine. —Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025

Alcohol contains purines, compounds naturally found in certain foods and drinks like seafood and alcohol that your body breaks down into uric acid, which can worsen gout attacks. —Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 8 Jan. 2025

These findings underscore the nuanced interplay of neurotransmitter synthesis, lipid metabolism, microbial activity, and purine metabolism associated with omnivorous dietary patterns. —New Atlas, 28 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

German Purin, from Latin purus pure + New Latin uricus uric (from English uric) + German -in -ine entry 2

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for purine

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between

Kids Definition

purine

noun

pu·​rine ˈpyu̇(ə)r-ˌēn 

: any of a group of bases including several (as adenine or guanine) that are important parts of DNA and RNA

Medical Definition

purine

noun

pu·​rine ˈpyu̇(ə)r-ˌēn 

1

: a crystalline base C₅H₄N₄ that is the parent of compounds of the uric-acid group

2

: a derivative of purine

especially : a base (as adenine or guanine) that is a constituent of DNA or RNA