\Tau"rine\, a. [L. taurinus, fr. taurus a bull. See
{Taurus}.] (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the genus Taurus, or cattle.

\Tau"rine\, n. [So named because it was discovered in
the bile of the ox. See {Taurus}.] (Physiol. Chem.)
A body occurring in small quantity in the juices of muscle,
in the lungs, and elsewhere, but especially in the bile,
where it is found as a component part of taurocholic acid,
from which it can be prepared by decomposition of the acid.
It crystallizes in colorless, regular six-sided prisms, and
is especially characterized by containing both nitrogen and
sulphur, being chemically amido-isethionic acid, {C2H7NSO3}.