n.
Pronunciation: ( ˌ )m ə r- ˌ kap-t ə - ' pyu ̇ r- ˌ ē n
Function: noun
Etymology: mercapt an + -o- + purine
Date: circa 1952
: an antimetabolite C 5 H 4 N 4 S that interferes especially with the metabolism of purine bases and the biosynthesis of nucleic acids and that is sometimes used in the treatment of acute leukemia