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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
One pair of under-eye patches taps 1,254 self-dissolving microneedles to deeply deliver the anti-aging ingredients including hyaluronic acid, daisy flower and amino acids.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Isoleucine is one of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).
—Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 26 Nov. 2024
Turkey famously contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which helps your body produce serotonin and melatonin, which regulate sleep-wake cycles.
—Caroline Hopkins Legaspi, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
This is because the amino acids (including lysine) that form protein are abundant in most protein-rich food sources such as eggs, meat like pork, beef, chicken and fish, and dairy such as milk, yogurt and cheese.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 19 Nov. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1897, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near amino acid
Cite this Entry
“Amino acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amino%20acid. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.
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
Nglish: Translation of amino acid for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about amino acid
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