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theophylline

noun
the·​oph·​yl·​line | \ thē-ˈä-fə-lən How to pronounce theophylline (audio) \

Definition of theophylline

: a feebly basic bitter crystalline compound C7H8N4O2 present in tea leaves that is isomeric with theobromine and is used in medicine especially as a bronchodilator

Examples of theophylline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 When it’s broken down in the body, caffeine produces small amounts of the bronchodilator theophylline. — Brad Rickman, Condé Nast Traveler, "Traveling With Asthma," 17 Apr. 2018 The scientists found that amphetamine works with another ingredient, theophylline, a drug that is used for lung diseases such as asthma and bears a chemical resemblance to caffeine. — Bradley J. Fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Illicit stimulant's unusual power explained by Scripps Research team," 16 Aug. 2017

First Known Use of theophylline

circa 1894, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for theophylline

International Scientific Vocabulary theo- (from New Latin thea tea) + phyll- + -ine entry 2

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More Definitions for theophylline

theophylline

noun
the·​oph·​yl·​line | \ thē-ˈäf-ə-lən How to pronounce theophylline (audio) \

Medical Definition of theophylline

: a feebly basic bitter crystalline compound C7H8N4O2 that is present in small amounts in tea but is prepared chiefly by synthesis, that is isomeric with theobromine, and that is used in medicine often in the form of derivatives or in combination with other drugs especially as a bronchodilator to relieve or prevent symptoms of asthma and bronchospasm associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema

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