-ine

1 definition found

-ine - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  -ine \-ine\ (?; 104).
     1. (Chem.) A suffix, indicating that those substances of
        whose names it is a part are basic, in their nature, i.e.
        contain a basic nitrogen group.
        [1913 Webster +PJC]
  
     Note: All organic bases, and basic substances (especially
           nitrogenous substances), are systematically written
           with the termination -ine; as, quinine, pyridine,
           morphine, guanidine, etc. Certain substances containing
           nitrogen though with net neutral character (as certain
           amino acids) also end in -ine, such valine and glycine.
           All indifferent and neutral substances, as proteids,
           glycerides, glucosides, etc., should commonly be
           spelled with -in; as, gelatin, amygdalin, etc. This
           rule has no application to those numerous commercial or
           popular names with the termination -ine; as, gasoline,
           vaseline, etc.
           [1913 Webster +PJC]
  
     2. (Organ. Chem.) A suffix, formerly used to indicate
        hydrocarbons of the second degree of unsaturation; i. e.,
        members of the acetyline series; as, hexine, heptine,
        etc., but now superseded by the ending -yne, as in
        propyne.
        [1913 Webster +PJC]