n. 1. A yellow crystalline compound, C6H4N2, having two fused six-member aromatic rings each containing two nitrogen atoms and four carbon atoms. One of the rings is a pyrimidine; the other is a pyrazine. 2. Any of a group of organic compounds derived from this compound, including folic acid and the pigments of butterfly wings. [German Pteridin : Pter(in), pigment of insect wings (from Greek pteron, wing; see -PTER) + -id, -ide + -in, -ine.] |
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