asparagine

noun

as·par·a·gine | \ ə-ˈsper-ə-ˌjēn

How to pronounce asparagine (audio)

, -ˈspa-rə- \

Definition of asparagine

: a nonessential amino acid C₄H₈N₂O₃ that is an amide of aspartic acid

Examples of asparagine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web When food is cooked at very high heat, an amino acid called asparagine can react with sugars to produce acrylamide. — Alix Wall, sun-sentinel.com, "Some much-loved American Jewish classic foods may increase risk of cancer," 10 July 2019 All are among foods with high levels of asparagine, an amino acid researchers suggest is associated with spreading cancer. — Sean Rossman, USA TODAY, "Could cutting asparagus from your diet stop the spread of cancer?," 8 Feb. 2018 Acrylamide is the product of a chemical reaction that happens between certain sugars and the amino acid asparagine when the food is heated. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "California Coffee Companies Must Display Cancer Warning Label, Judge Rules," 30 Mar. 2018 Fruits and vegetables contain low levels of asparagine. — Sean Rossman, USA TODAY, "Could cutting asparagus from your diet stop the spread of cancer?," 8 Feb. 2018 The amino acid asparagine was named after asparagus, thanks to its abundance in the vegetable’s juice, where it was first discovered. — Ashleigh Spitza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "For nutrition and flavor, choose peak-season asparagus," 10 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'asparagine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about asparagine

Dictionary Entries near asparagine

Statistics for asparagine

Cite this Entry

“Asparagine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asparagine. Accessed 2 Mar. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for asparagine

asparagine

noun

as·par·a·gine | \ ə-ˈspar-ə-ˌjēn

\

Medical Definition of asparagine

: a white crystalline amino acid C₄H₈N₂O₃ that is an amide of aspartic acid —abbreviation Asn

Comments on asparagine

What made you want to look up asparagine? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

organoleptic

Listen to the pronunciation of organoleptic

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz

Which is a synonym of perdure?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ