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

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.

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Time Traveler for asparagine

The first known use of asparagine was in 1808

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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

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