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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
The first, as Josh Windsor, senior caves manager at Murray’s Cheese, explains, are actually amino acids, the building blocks of protein.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 23 Apr. 2024
Branched-chain amino acids and muscle protein synthesis in humans: myth or reality?
—Robert James and, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2024
The formula has evolved over the years to now include skin-boosting vitamins and amino acids.
—Clare Holden, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2024
Its fermentation process promotes the growth of probiotics and creates amino acids, including glutamic acid.
—Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2024
Your skin is able to produce the right amount of NMF, which is comprised primarily of amino acids, in order to keep your skin hydrated.
—Dr. Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2024
Other creatine supplements on the market may, however, contain additional ingredients meant to enhance exercise performance, such as the amino acids glutamine and taurine.
—Tamar Kane, Ms, Verywell Health, 25 Jan. 2024
The drinks also may include sugar, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
—Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2024
Whey, creatine, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are among the most popular of these.
—Donavyn Coffey, TIME, 1 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'amino acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 4 May. 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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