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.
