- a white, crystalline compound, C5H4N4, from which is derived a group of compounds including uric acid, xanthine, and caffeine.
- one of several purine derivatives, especially the bases adenine and guanine, which are fundamental constituents of nucleic acids.
- a colourless crystalline solid that can be prepared from uric acid. Formula: C 5 H 4 N 4
- any of a number of nitrogenous bases, such as guanine and adenine, that are derivatives of purine and constituents of nucleic acids and certain coenzymes
