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
However, matcha’s high levels of L-theanine, a calming amino acid, help balance caffeine’s stimulating effects.
—
Jillian Kubala, Health, 19 Oct. 2025
More than 10% of the original amino acids remained intact after the simulated 50-million-year exposure, while those in the soil mixture degraded 10 times faster and did not survive.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2025
In a study conducted on mice, scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, had the strongest rejuvenating effect on stem cells and early-stage intestinal cells, which are often damaged during radiation therapy for cancer.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025
In addition, dietary tryptophan – an amino acid found in foods such as poultry, eggs, tofu and seeds – is metabolized into compounds that activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, further boosting Treg cell activity and protecting against gut inflammation.
—Mitzi Nagarkatti, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for amino acid
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jillian Kubala, Health, 19 Oct. 2025
More than 10% of the original amino acids remained intact after the simulated 50-million-year exposure, while those in the soil mixture degraded 10 times faster and did not survive.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2025
In a study conducted on mice, scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, had the strongest rejuvenating effect on stem cells and early-stage intestinal cells, which are often damaged during radiation therapy for cancer.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025
In addition, dietary tryptophan – an amino acid found in foods such as poultry, eggs, tofu and seeds – is metabolized into compounds that activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, further boosting Treg cell activity and protecting against gut inflammation.
—Mitzi Nagarkatti, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for amino acid
Cite this Entry
“Amino acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amino%20acid. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share