xanthine

Term: xanthine

Literally meaning: “yellowish”

Origin: Anc Greek

ξανθός/xanthos(=golden, yellow, blond)

Coined/History

(?)

Definition

Xanthine is an yellowish alkaloid purine base which is an intermediate in the catabolic process  of nucleic acids to uric acid found in blood, urine and many organs.  Deratives of xanthine such as mild stimulants caffeine, theophylline and thebromine are called also xanthines.