1. Adenine [ad´ĕ-nēn] a purine base present in nucleoproteins of cells of plants and animals; Adenine and guanine are essential components of nucleic acids

2. xAnthine: 1 n crystalline oxidation product of the metabolism of nucleoproteins; precursor of uric acid; found in many organs and in urine Type of: organic compound any compound of carbon and another element or a radical