Asparagine \As*par"a*gine\, n. [Cf. F. asparagine.] (Chem.)
A white, nitrogenous, crystallizable substance,
{C4H8N2O3+H2O}, found in many plants, and first obtained from
asparagus. It is believed to aid in the disposition of
nitrogenous matter throughout the plant; -- called also
{altheine}.