adenosine

noun

aden·​o·​sine ə-ˈde-nə-ˌsēn How to pronounce adenosine (audio)
-sən
: a nucleoside C10H13N5O4 that is a constituent of RNA and yields adenine and ribose on hydrolysis

Examples of adenosine in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But adenosine keeps building in the background while caffeine is at work. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 5 May 2026 Normally, adenosine attaches to brain receptors and signals fatigue. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026 Barrier-supporting ingredients like panthenol, ceramides, allantoin, aloe, and jojoba oil soothe and lock in moisture, while peptides and adenosine promote smoother, healthier-looking skin. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 June 2026 The way coffee interacts with adenosine and cortisol is really complex, and can differ from person to person, depending on their biology, circumstances, and environment. — Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adenosine

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Adenosin, blend of Adenin adenine and Ribose ribose

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adenosine was circa 1909

Phrases Containing adenosine

Rhymes for adenosine

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Browse Nearby Words

adenose
adenosine
adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adenosine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adenosine. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

adenosine

noun
aden·​o·​sine ə-ˈden-ə-ˌsēn, -sən How to pronounce adenosine (audio)
: a nucleoside C10H13N5O4 that is a constituent of RNA yielding adenine and ribose on hydrolysis
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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