Chem. Also -in. [f. tauro- in taurocholic + -INE5.] A neutral crystallizable substance, C2H7NSO3, amido-ethyl-sulphonic acid, obtained in 1826 by L. Gmelin from ox-bile, and contained in the bile of most other animals, resulting from the transformation of taurocholic acid under the influence of acids and alkalies.
1845. G. E. Day, trans. Simon’s Anim. Chem., I. 47. Taurin forms colourless regular six-sided prisms, terminated by four- or six-sided pyramids.
1868. Watts, Dict. Chem., V. 701. Taurocholic acid … when boiled with water, or with alkalis,… is resolved into taurine and cholic acid.
1869. Roscoe, Elem. Chem. (1871), 438. A peculiar substance termed taurin is obtained by the action of acids on bile.
