Definition

A simple compound derived from the amino acid cysteine, used in medicine to treat certain disorders related to cystine excretion and radiation sickness.

Example

Cysteamine is often prescribed for patients with cystinosis to help manage their condition.

Conversation

Have you heard about cysteamine?

No, what's that?

It's a compound used for treating certain health issues, like cystine disorders.

Interesting! I should look it up.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cysteamine is formed from "cysteine" (from Greek "kystis", meaning bladder or sac) and "-amine" (a suffix used in organic chemistry to denote amines, which are derivatives of ammonia). The word refers to a compound derived from cysteine that contains an amine group.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cysteine' as a building block related to a 'sac' or 'bladder', and remember that 'amine' indicates a chemical compound. This helps you remember that cysteamine is a compound related to cysteine.

Visually Confused Words