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
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To reinforce the spa’s work, the kitchen has designed a selection of nutrient-dense options, including anti-inflammatory salads and juices rich in polyphenols and amino acids. Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 4 June 2026 One of the HAMPs molecules is a peptide called inceptin, and there’s an 11-amino acid fragment of inceptin named In11, as well. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2026 This piece of protein, a type of molecule called a peptide, was just 15 amino acids long. Sara Talpos — Undark, STAT, 1 June 2026 While quinoa is a complete protein, many grains are lower in lysine, an amino acid that is more abundant in legumes, dairy, eggs, and animal proteins. Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for amino acid

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Amino acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amino%20acid. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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

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