WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : -ine (; 104).
Definition : 1. (Chem.)

Defn: A suffix, indicating that those substances of whose names it is a part are basic, and alkaloidal in their nature.

Note: All organic bases, and basic substances (especially nitrogenous substances), are systematically written with the termination -ine; as, quinine, morphine, guanidine, etc. All indifferent and neutral substances, as proteids, glycerides, glucosides, etc., should commonly be spelled with -in; as, gelatin, amygdalin, etc. This rue has no application to those numerous commercial or popular names with the termination -ine; as, gasoline, vaseline, etc.

2. (Organ. Chem.)

Defn: A suffix, used to indicate hydrocarbons of the second degree of unsaturation; i. e., members of the acetyline series; as, hexine, heptine, etc.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913