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thiouracil: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

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UK/ˌθaɪə(ʊ)ˈjʊərəsɪl/US/ˌθaɪoʊˈjʊrəsɪl/

Technical/Scientific

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Quick answer

What does “thiouracil” mean?

A sulfur-containing organic compound used primarily as an antithyroid drug.

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Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A sulfur-containing organic compound used primarily as an antithyroid drug.

A white, crystalline, bitter-tasting derivative of uracil that inhibits thyroid hormone production; historically significant in thyroid treatment and in biochemical research.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling and pronunciation are identical. Usage is confined to identical technical contexts in both varieties.

Connotations

No regional connotations; purely technical term.

Frequency

Extremely rare outside of specialized literature in both regions.

Grammar

How to Use “thiouracil” in a Sentence

The patient received [dosage] of thiouracil.Thiouracil inhibits [enzyme/process].Research on the effects of thiouracil.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
propylthiouracilmethylthiouracilantithyroid drugthyroid hormone synthesis
medium
treated with thiouraciladministration of thiouracilinhibit thyroid peroxidase
weak
crystalderivativecompound

Examples

Examples of “thiouracil” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • The study aimed to thiouracil-treat the hyperthyroid rats.

American English

  • Researchers thiouracil-dosed the experimental group.

adverb

British English

  • The glands responded thiouracil-sensitively.

American English

  • The enzyme was inhibited thiouracil-specifically.

adjective

British English

  • The thiouracil-treated group showed reduced hormone levels.

American English

  • A thiouracil-based regimen was administered.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used.

Academic

Used in pharmacology, biochemistry, and medical history papers.

Everyday

Never used in everyday conversation.

Technical

Primary context: endocrinology textbooks, research on thyroid function, historical pharmacology.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “thiouracil”

Strong

antithyroid agentthyroid inhibitor

Neutral

6-propyl-2-thiouracil (for the specific drug propylthiouracil)

Weak

thioamide (broader class)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “thiouracil”

thyroid hormonelevothyroxinehormone replacement

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “thiouracil”

  • Misspelling as 'thiouracile', 'thiouricil'.
  • Confusing it with general 'uracil' (a nucleobase).
  • Using it as a general term for any thyroid medication.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Its derivative, propylthiouracil (PTU), is still used in specific clinical situations, but pure thiouracil itself is largely of historical interest.

It inhibits the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which is essential for the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4.

No, it is a prescription-only medication due to its potent effects and potential side effects.

Yes, structurally it is a uracil molecule where an oxygen atom has been replaced by sulfur (a 'thio' group), but its function in the body is completely unrelated to genetics.

A sulfur-containing organic compound used primarily as an antithyroid drug.

Thiouracil is usually technical/scientific in register.

Thiouracil: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθaɪə(ʊ)ˈjʊərəsɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθaɪoʊˈjʊrəsɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “No idioms exist for this term.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'THYroid + yoURACIL' – a uracil derivative that affects the thyroid.

Conceptual Metaphor

A KEY blocking a LOCK (thyroid enzyme).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
Historically, was an early antithyroid drug before the development of methimazole.
Multiple Choice

Thiouracil is primarily classified as:

thiouracil: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore