penicillamine en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˌpɛn.ɪˈsɪl.ə.miːn/
Etymology
Blend of penicillin + amine.
Meanings
- (countable, uncountable) A crystalline, sulfur-containing amino acid produced by the hydrolysis of penicillins, used pharmacologically as a chelating agent to remove heavy metals such as copper from the body, and as an anti-inflammatory agent, especially for rheumatoid arthritis; 2-amino-3-methyl-3-mercaptobutanoic acid, (CH₃)₂C(SH)CH(NH₂)COOH.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| penicillamines | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Translations (2)
it penicillamina (breakdown product of penicillin) · es penicilamina (breakdown product of penicillin)