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porphyrin

noun
por·​phy·​rin | \ ˈpȯr-fə-rən How to pronounce porphyrin (audio) \

Definition of porphyrin

: any of various compounds with a macrocyclic structure that consists essentially of four pyrrole rings joined by four =CH− groups especially : one (such as chlorophyll or hemoglobin) containing a central metal atom and usually exhibiting biological activity

Examples of porphyrin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 The compounds, called porphyrins, had previously been shown to be adept at absorbing light and using that energy to convert oxygen molecules in the air to a reactive form known as singlet oxygen. — Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, "Crystalline nets harvest water from desert air, turn carbon dioxide into liquid fuel," 3 Sep. 2019

First Known Use of porphyrin

1910, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for porphyrin

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Greek porphyra purple

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More Definitions for porphyrin

porphyrin

noun
por·​phy·​rin | \ ˈpȯr-fə-rən How to pronounce porphyrin (audio) \

Medical Definition of porphyrin

: any of various compounds with a structure that consists essentially of four pyrrole rings joined by four =CH− groups especially : one (as chlorophyll or hemoglobin) containing a central metal atom and usually having biological activity

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