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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Branched-Chain Amino Acids Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential amino acids that your body doesn't naturally make. Kirstyn Hill, Health, 27 Feb. 2026 The formula packs 31 bond-building proteins and amino acids sourced from milk, wheat, corn, and soy, which work to smooth frizz, reduce breakage, and restore silky slip after just a few uses. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Feb. 2026 Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 24 Feb. 2026 The evidence Peptides are chains of amino acids. Sarah Boden, NPR, 23 Feb. 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 Mar. 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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