2 syllables: Gua, nine. Stress on Gua.
GWAH-neen
/ˈɡwɑˌnin/
Guanine is pronounced GWAH-neen (/ˈɡwɑˌnin/). It has two syllables (Gua-nine), with the stress on "Gua". Guanine is a noun referring to one of the four main nucleobases in DNA and RNA, paired with cytosine in the double helix. It is a heterocyclic aromatic compound derived from purine, playing a crucial role in genetic encoding and cellular replication. In discourse, it is often discussed in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology contexts, sometimes abbreviated as G.
nounGuanine is a noun referring to one of the four main nucleobases in DNA and RNA, paired with cytosine in the double helix. It is a heterocyclic aromatic compound derived from purine, playing a crucial role in genetic encoding and cellular replication. In discourse, it is often discussed in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology contexts, sometimes abbreviated as G.
"The guanine–cytosine pairing forms three hydrogen bonds that help stabilize the DNA double helix."
"Scientists studied guanine derivatives to understand mutagenesis in cancer cells."
"Guanine is one of the key nucleotides that contribute to genetic information storage."
Pronounce it as /ˈɡwæ.niː/ in many varieties of English, with the first syllable stressed. Start with a /ɡw/ blend like in 'gwald,' then a short /æ/ as in 'cat,' followed by a long /iː/ as in 'see.' The emphasis is clearly on the first syllable: GU-a-nine. Audio references: you can compare with Forvo entries or pronunciation videos that demonstrate the two-syllable stress pattern.
Common errors include treating it as two identical syllables (GWAN-een) or misplacing the /w/ and /æ/ blend, making it sound like 'gwain-ine' or 'goo-a-nine.' Correct by producing /ˈɡwæ.niː/ with a short /æ/ in the first syllable and a pure long /iː/ at the end, keeping the /gw/ cluster tight and starting with a velar stop /ɡ/ before /w/. Practice the /æ/ as in 'cat' and ensure the final vowel is not reduced.
In US English, the first syllable carries primary stress and uses a shorter /æ/ vowel; the second syllable is /niː/. In UK English, you may hear a slightly more open /ɑː/ in the first syllable depending on speaker, but most speakers still use /ˈɡwæ.niː/. Australian speakers align with the US pattern but may have a slightly longer vowel quality in /iː/ and a more rounded /w/ onset. Overall, the rhoticity of the first consonant cluster remains similar across regions.
The difficulty comes from the initial /ɡw/ cluster, which requires a smooth bilabial closure followed immediately by a labial-velar glide. It’s easy to insert an extra vowel or to misplace the stress. Another challenge is the long final /iː/ that can be shortened in casual speech. Focus on keeping the /w/ onset linked to the /æ/ and maintaining the crisp /niː/ ending without vowel reduction.
Yes, the initial /ɡw/ cluster is the defining feature: you start with a hard /ɡ/ release into a /w/ glide, which is not as common as plain /ɡ/ or /w/ alone in many English words. This requires precise tongue positioning: a brief contact of the back tongue to the soft palate for /ɡ/, then a rapid front-to-back tongue movement to produce /w/. Mastery of this cluster is key to accurate pronunciation.
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Guanine derives from the purine family of heterocyclic aromatic organic compounds. The term is formed from the concept of a guanine-like nitrogen-containing scaffold, with the suffix -in common to many biological bases. The earliest uses appear in mid-20th century biochemical literature as scientists identified and named the nucleobases that constitute DNA and RNA. The exact coinage reflects its function as a fundamental component of genetic material, paralleling adenine, cytosine, thymine, and uracil. Over time, guanine has become standardized in biochemistry nomenclature, with the accepted symbol G and its deoxyribonucleotide form deoxyguanosine highlighted in DNA research. The word’s prevalence in genetics cemented its place in scientific parlance and education, appearing in textbooks, research articles, and curricula worldwide. The etymological focus rests on its chemical identity as a purine base and its role in nucleic acid chemistry, with first known use documented in contemporary biochemistry publications from the 1950s onward.
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Help others use "Guanine" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Guanine" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Guanine" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Guanine"
-ine sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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