amine Any one of a group of organic compounds derived by replacing one or more of the hydrogen atoms in ammonia by organic groups. Primary amines have one hydrogen replaced, e.g. methylamine, CH₃NH₂. They contain the functional group –NH₂ (the amino group). Secondary amines have two hydrogens replaced, e.g. methylethylamine, CH₃(C₂H₅)NH. Tertiary amines have all three hydrogens replaced, e.g. trimethylamine. Amines are produced by the decomposition of organic matter.

amine Any of a group of organic compounds derived from ammonia by replacing hydrogen atoms with alkyl groups. Methylamine (CH₃NH₂) has one hydrogen replaced. Replacement of two hydrogens gives a secondary amine and of three hydrogens, a tertiary amine. Amines are produced in the putrefaction of organic matter and are weakly basic. See also alkaloid

a·mine / əˈmēn; ˈamēn/ • n. Chem. an organic compound derived from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by organic radicals.

amine A compound formed by the replacement of one or more of the hydrogen atoms in a molecule of ammonia (NH₃) by an organic group. Amines are classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary according to the number of hydrogen atoms replaced. See also nitrosamine.

amine An organic base that is derived from ammonia (NH₃) by the replacement of one or more of the hydrogens by organic radical groups. The resultant amine is designated primary (NH₂R), secondary (NHR₂), or tertiary (NR₂) according to the number of hydrogens replaced.