purine

noun

pu·​rine ˈpyu̇r-ˌēn How to pronounce purine (audio)
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
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.
Liver is high in purines, which, for some people, worsen symptoms of gout or high uric acid levels. — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026 Laing also cautioned that sardines contain purines, which may cause a buildup of uric acid and worsen symptoms like joint pain and swelling for people with gout. — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2026 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 Ryugu contained roughly equal amounts of purines and pyrimidines, while Murchison was richer in purine nucleobases. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for purine

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of purine was in 1898

Rhymes for purine

See All Rhymes for purine

Browse Nearby Words

Purim
purine
puriri
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

purine

noun
pu·​rine ˈpyu̇(ə)r-ˌēn How to pronounce purine (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce purine (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on purine

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about purine

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