: a crystalline compound C4H2N2O4 causing diabetes mellitus when injected into experimental animals

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Alloxan, from all- (in Allantoin allantoin) + ox- (in Oxalsäure oxalic acid) + -an -an entry 3

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alloxan was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Alloxan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alloxan. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

: a crystalline compound C4H2N2O4 causing diabetes mellitus when injected into experimental animals
also : one of its similarly acting derivatives

called also mesoxalylurea

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