the nonprotein, iron-containing pigment, C34H32N4O4Fe, that is a component part of hemoglobin, myoglobin, etc.
Word origin
contr. < hematin
heme in American English
(him)
noun
Biochemistry
a deep-red iron-containing blood pigment, C34H32N4O4Fe, obtained from hemoglobin
Word origin
[1920–25; shortened form of hematin]This word is first recorded in the period 1920–25. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Unknown Soldier, follow-up, slalom, tie-in, zipper
Examples of 'heme' in a sentence
heme
These contain 'heme iron', which, when oxidised by heat, becomes toxic.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It's a musical theme park heme and a must-try for any music fan.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Their secret ingredient is the iron-rich molecule 'heme' found in all living things.
The Sun (2017)
Heme is what makes red meat red.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Its trick is 'heme', a substance designed to create the blood taste.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
One theory holds that a heme-containing protein undergoes a conformational change when bound to oxygen, thereby "sensing" oxygen.
The Scientist (2001)
Non-heme iron is derived from non-animal sources such as vitamin supplements, cooked beans, lentils and pumpkin seeds.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Heme occurs in haemoglobin, a protein molecule found in red blood cells that gives red meat its flavour.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Van Vliet was saying, `They are conjugated proteins and consist of four heme groups and the globin molecule.