valine

noun

va·​line ˈva-ˌlēn How to pronounce valine (audio) ˈvā- How to pronounce valine (audio)
: a crystalline essential amino acid C5H11NO2 that is one of the building blocks of plant and animal proteins

Examples of valine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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These essential amino acids include leucine, isoleucine, and valine and may help with building and repairing muscles.6 Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant and may improve alertness and performance during exercise. Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2025 In the enzyme’s chain of 484 amino acids, one amino acid at position 429, called alanine, was replaced with valine. Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025 BCAAs are three amino acids—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—that aren't naturally made in the body. Health, 17 June 2025 Amino acid supplements are typically either EAA (essential amino acids) or BCAA (branched chain amino acids, which are three amino acids—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—that the body cannot produce itself). Misaki Kawatsu, Vogue, 10 June 2025 Nine essential amino acids—histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine—are available only through foods or supplements. Stacey Colino, Time, 27 May 2025 Challenging workouts and proper fueling will be your best muscle builders. BCAAs BCAAs contain three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Donavyn Coffey, TIME, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Valin, from Valeriansäure valeric acid + -in -ine entry 2

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of valine was in 1907

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Cite this Entry

“Valine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valine. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

valine

noun
: a crystalline essential amino acid C5H11NO2 that occurs especially in fibrous proteins
abbreviation Val

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