Porphyrin
/ˈpɔɹfəɹɪn/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Any of a class of heterocyclic compounds containing pyrrole rings arranged in a square or other similar shape; they are important in biochemistry in a form with a metal atom in the central cavity (hemoglobin with iron, chlorophyll with magnesium, etc.).
- 2 any of various pigments distributed widely in living tissues wordnet
Etymology
From German Porphyrin, shortened from Hämatoporphyrin (“haematoporphyrin”).