theobromine

noun

theo·​bro·​mine ˌthē-ə-ˈbrō-ˌmēn  -mən 

: a bitter alkaloid C₇H₈N₄O₂ closely related to caffeine that occurs especially in cacao beans and has stimulant and diuretic properties

Examples of theobromine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Apolo, theobromine, an alkaloid in the cacao beans used to make chocolate, makes chocolate toxic to canines. —Kelli Bender, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024

The most dangerous ingredients in chocolate are caffeine and theobromine, which affect the nervous system and heart, cause dehydration and could even lead the dog to develop gastrointestinal distress, Cohen said. —Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Mar. 2024

This sweet treat contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can lead to serious health problems. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 28 July 2023

Chocolate Cacao contains theobromine, a compound that triggers negative reactions in a dog’s body including: stimulating the nervous system, increasing stress on the heart, relaxing breathing muscles and increasing urination. —Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 26 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Theobroma, genus that includes the cacao, from the- + Greek brōma food, from bibrōskein to devour — more at voracious

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

theobromine

noun

theo·​bro·​mine ˌthē-ə-ˈbrō-ˌmēn  -mən 

: a bitter alkaloid C₇H₈N₄O₂ closely related to caffeine that occurs especially in cacao beans and is used as a diuretic, myocardial stimulant, and vasodilator