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
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.
Sulfur is the 10th most abundant element in the universe and a critical component of amino acids, proteins and enzymes on Earth. Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026 Under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, a dietary ingredient is defined as a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other botanical, or amino acid dietary substance to supplement your diet by increasing the total dietary intake. Rebeca Schiller, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2026 What was missing was clear proof that amino acids can join to form peptides under realistic conditions, rather than only in warm water on planets. William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Biodegradable silks can be made hydrophilic or hydrophobic depending on the application, and Spiber has overcome the initial shrinkage problem in silk fibers using amino acid modification. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 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 1 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on amino acid

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