# porphyrin

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈpɔːfɪɹɪn/

## Definitions
1. Any of a class of heterocyclic compounds containing pyrrole rings arranged in a square or other similar shape; they are important in biochemistry in a form with a metal atom in the central cavity (hemoglobin with iron, chlorophyll with magnesium, etc.).

## Etymology
From German Porphyrin, shortened from Hämatoporphyrin (“haematoporphyrin”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/porphyrin