noun

amine

uh-MEEN

Quiz me More like this

Amine (noun) means an amine is a chemical group formed when one, two or three of the hydrogen atoms in ammonia are replaced by hydrocarbon or other groups. Example: “Amines are classed as primary, secondary or tertiary depending on how many hydrogen atoms have been replaced.”

noun

chemistry An amine is a chemical group formed when one, two or three of the hydrogen atoms in ammonia are replaced by hydrocarbon or other groups.

"Amines are classed as primary, secondary or tertiary depending on how many hydrogen atoms have been replaced."

"The compound contains an amine group, which affects how it reacts with acids."

"Chemists build many dyes and drugs around an amine group."

chemistry An amine is any organic compound that contains an amine functional group.

"The lab identified an amine among the reaction products."

"This drug belongs to a class of amines used in medicine."

"Amines turn up in a wide range of organic molecules."

How to use amine

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA chemical group or compound related to ammonia, made by swapping out some of its hydrogen atoms.

When to use it

This is a chemistry term and is rarely used outside scientific writing.

Memory tip

Link the spelling to ammonia, since amine is literally ammonia with part of it replaced.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

ammine

Common pairings

primary amine secondary amine tertiary amine amine group amine functional group

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like amine.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “amine” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ are classed as primary, secondary or tertiary depending on how many hydrogen atoms have been replaced.

Etymology

Amine is built from ammonia with the chemical suffix -ine added to it, showing the word's close link to that simpler compound.

Origin: English (from ammonia)

Rhymes for amine

nine mine wine line sine ovine thine shine Rhine Maine seine brine

See all rhymes for amine →

Frequently asked questions

What is an amine?

An amine is a chemical group or compound formed when hydrogen atoms in ammonia are swapped for hydrocarbon or other groups.

How do you pronounce amine?

It's said as "uh-MEEN", with the stress falling on the second syllable.

Where does the word amine come from?

It comes from joining "ammonia" with the chemistry suffix "-ine".

What is the meaning of amine?

"amine" (noun) means an amine is a chemical group formed when one, two or three of the hydrogen atoms in ammonia are replaced by hydrocarbon or other groups.