Cupreine

/ˈkuːpriːn/ noun

Definition

An alternative spelling of cuprein; a copper-containing protein in invertebrate blood.

Etymology

Variant spelling of cuprein, using the '-ine' ending common in older chemical nomenclature, similar to how morphine and quinine are named.

Kelly Says

Scientists used to spell these chemical terms inconsistently, so 'cupreine' and 'cuprein' are the same thing—studying old chemistry texts is like watching language standardize in real time.

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