{ Xan"thine (?), n. Also
Xan"thin }. [Gr. xanqo`s yellow.] (Physiol.
Chem.) A white microcrystalline nitrogenous compound,
C5H4O2N4, present in
muscle tissue, in the liver, spleen, pancreas, and other organs, and
also in urine (in small quantities) and some urinary calculi, and in
the juices of certain plants; -- so called because it leaves a yellow
residue when evaporated to dryness with nitric acid. Xanthine is
closely related to uric acid.
{ Xan"thine (?), n. Also
Xan"thin }. [Gr. xanqo`s yellow.] (Physiol.
Chem.) A white microcrystalline nitrogenous compound,
C5H4O2N4, present in
muscle tissue, in the liver, spleen, pancreas, and other organs, and
also in urine (in small quantities) and some urinary calculi, and in
the juices of certain plants; -- so called because it leaves a yellow
residue when evaporated to dryness with nitric acid. Xanthine is
closely related to uric acid.