(Chem.) A suffix, indicating that those substances of whose names it is a part are basic, in their nature, i.e. contain a basic nitrogen group. Note: All organic bases, and basic substances (especially nitrogenous substances), are systematically written with the termination -ine; as, quinine, pyridine, morphine, guanidine, etc. Certain substances containing nitrogen though with net neutral character (as certain amino acids) also end in -ine, such valine and glycine. All indifferent and neutral substances, as proteids, glycerides, glucosides, etc., should commonly be spelled with -in; as, gelatin, amygdalin, etc. This rule has no application to those numerous commercial or popular names with the termination -ine; as, gasoline, vaseline, etc.
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