alloxan

noun

al·​lox·​an ə-ˈläk-sən How to pronounce alloxan (audio)
: a crystalline compound C4H2N2O4 causing diabetes mellitus when injected into experimental animals

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Alloxan, from all- (in Allantoin allantoin) + ox- (in Oxalsäure oxalic acid) + -an -an entry 3

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alloxan was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near alloxan

allox-

alloxan

alloxanate

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Alloxan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alloxan. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

alloxan

noun
al·​lox·​an ə-ˈläk-sən How to pronounce alloxan (audio)
: a crystalline compound C4H2N2O4 causing diabetes mellitus when injected into experimental animals
also : one of its similarly acting derivatives

called also mesoxalylurea

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