Definition

A chemical compound used mainly in laboratories to detect amines and as an analytical reagent.

Example

The scientist used ninhydrin to test for the presence of amino acids in the sample.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of ninhydrin?

Yeah, it’s that chemical used to detect amines, right?

Exactly! I read it’s also used in forensic science.

That’s interesting! I didn’t know it had such important applications.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ninhydrin is derived from the combination of "nin" (from the prefix "ninhydrin" itself, which is a modification of the word "hydrin") and "hydrin" (from the Greek "hydor", meaning water). The term refers to a chemical compound that reacts with amino acids and proteins, often used in biochemical analysis, particularly in detecting fingerprints. The name reflects its chemical structure and properties related to water.

Memory Tip

Think of 'water' ('hydor') in relation to the chemical properties of ninhydrin, which is used to detect substances like amino acids and proteins.

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