A chemical compound used in dyes, medicines, and fluorescent materials; an aromatic nitrogen-containing substance.
From Latin acris (sharp, pungent) combined with the chemical suffix -in. The name references the sharp, acrid smell or properties of early preparations of this compound.
Acridine dyes glow under ultraviolet light and scientists use them to tag cancer cells—so this pungent-smelling chemical has become a weapon against one of medicine's biggest enemies.
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