1. NH2OH; a partially oxidized derivative of ammonia; reacts with carbonyl groups to produce oximes; forms acid salts, e.g., h. hydrochloride. It is a chemical mutagen that causes deamination of cytosine residues in DNA. 2. Any compound containing RNH—OH.
- h. reductase an enzyme catalyzing the reversible reduction of h. to ammonia with a variety of donors ( e.g., methylene blue, flavin). SEE ALSO: NADH-h. reductase.
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hy·drox·yl·amine hī-.dräk-sə-lə-'mēn, .hī-.dräk-'sil-ə-.mēn n a colorless odorless nitrogenous base NH3O that resembles ammonia in its reactions but is less basic and that is used esp. as a reducing agent
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hy·drox·yl·amine (hi″drok-silґə-mēn) an unstable inorganic compound, NH2OH, used as a reducing agent and in organic synthesis.Medical dictionary. 2011.