amino acid

noun

: an amphoteric organic acid containing the amino group NH2
especially : any of the various amino acids having the amino group in the alpha position that are the chief components of proteins and are synthesized by living cells or are obtained as essential components of the diet

Examples of amino acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Matcha boasts a boost of antioxidants and the amino acid L-Theanine, which is thought to promote relaxation and jitter-free, sustained energy. Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 26 Feb. 2024 It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid for hydration, marshmallow root sustainably sourced from Albania to deliver antioxidants and violet rice water rich in B vitamins and amino acids. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 When combined with other molecules, HCN can help form nucleobases and amino acids, the precursors to more complex biochemistry such as proteins and RNA. Ling Xin, Scientific American, 14 Dec. 2023 Some of those found at Clarkia include lignin, which is the structural support tissue of plants, lipids like fats and waxes, and possibly DNA and amino acids. Robert Patalano, Discover Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024 The code was incomplete, a sequence of programming phrases that bracketed a partial map of nucleic acids, amino acid chains, and proteins. Elliot Ackerman, WIRED, 5 Feb. 2024 The team noticed that, in particular, the free radicals reacted with cysteine, an amino acid used in protein production. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Jan. 2024 Elevated levels of that amino acid are correlated to a higher risk for dementia, heart disease, and stroke, per Cleveland Clinic. Sean Evans, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2024 In particular, cow milk protein has the highest amount of branched-chain amino acids compared to other foods.6 Eggs Eggs also top the list of complete protein sources. Cynthia Sass, Mph, Rd, Health, 9 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'amino acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amino acid was in 1897

Dictionary Entries Near amino acid

Cite this Entry

“Amino acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amino%20acid. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

amino acid

noun
ami·​no acid
ə-ˈmē-nō-
: any of numerous acids that include some which are the building blocks of proteins and are made by living cells from simpler compounds or are obtained in the diet

Medical Definition

amino acid

noun
: an amphoteric organic acid containing the amino group NH2
especially : alpha-amino acid

More from Merriam-Webster on amino acid

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