amine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “amine” mean?
An organic compound derived from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms with hydrocarbon groups.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organic compound derived from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms with hydrocarbon groups.
In broader scientific contexts, any nitrogen-containing organic base; in biochemistry, refers to biogenic amines like serotonin or dopamine, which are crucial neurotransmitters.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or meaning. Pronunciation may vary slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
None beyond the scientific definition in both variants.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and confined to technical/scientific registers in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “amine” in a Sentence
amine + of + [compound]amine + derived from + [source]amine + containing + [element/group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The compound was then aminated to produce the desired derivative.
American English
- Researchers aminated the precursor molecule in the final step.
adjective
British English
- The amine solution required careful handling.
American English
- They analyzed the amine content of the sample.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used except in specific chemical/pharmaceutical industry R&D contexts.
Academic
Core term in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology. Used precisely in research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be encountered by individuals with relevant scientific backgrounds.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Essential terminology in chemical synthesis, drug design, and materials science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amine”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amine”
- Mispronouncing as 'a-MINE' (like a land mine) instead of 'AY-meen' or 'uh-MEEN'.
- Misspelling as 'amin' (without the 'e').
- Using it as a general term for any chemical, rather than specifically for nitrogenous bases.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An amino acid is a larger molecule that *contains* an amine group (-NH2) and a carboxylic acid group (-COOH). 'Amino' describes the presence of the amine functional group within the acid.
Almost never. It is a highly specialised term from chemistry and biochemistry. An everyday speaker might encounter it in the context of 'biogenic amines' on a food label (e.g., 'contains biogenic amines') or in medical contexts.
The standard plural is 'amines'.
Simple amines like putrescine and cadaverine are produced by the bacterial breakdown of amino acids in decaying organic matter (e.g., rotting fish or flesh). They are volatile, meaning they easily become gases we can smell, and our noses are highly sensitive to them as a warning signal.
An organic compound derived from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms with hydrocarbon groups.
Amine is usually technical/scientific in register.
Amine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeɪ.miːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈmiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AMINE' contains 'N' for Nitrogen, which is its key element. 'A Mine' of nitrogen compounds.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Purely technical, literal term).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of an amine?