essential amino acid
noun
: any of various amino acids that are required for normal health and growth in many vertebrates, are either not manufactured in the body or manufactured in insufficient quantities, are usually supplied by dietary protein, and include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine compare nonessential amino acid
Examples of essential amino acid in a Sentence
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Those nine essential amino acids, too, support a range of bodily functions, playing a critical role in immune function, metabolism and hormone balance, per Cleveland Clinic.
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Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 3 Dec. 2025
Our bodies make amino acids, but nine of the amino acids—known as the essential amino acids—must come from your diet.
—Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 30 Nov. 2025
Laboratory analysis has confirmed the presence of the essential amino acid, tryptophan, within the Bennu asteroid samples.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid and precursor of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
—Marie Bladt, Vogue, 15 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential amino acid
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Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 3 Dec. 2025
Our bodies make amino acids, but nine of the amino acids—known as the essential amino acids—must come from your diet.
—Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 30 Nov. 2025
Laboratory analysis has confirmed the presence of the essential amino acid, tryptophan, within the Bennu asteroid samples.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid and precursor of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
—Marie Bladt, Vogue, 15 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential amino acid
Cite this Entry
“Essential amino acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essential%20amino%20acid. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.
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