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asparagine

noun
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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.

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First Known Use of asparagine

1808, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for asparagine

French, from Latin asparagus

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The first known use of asparagine was in 1808

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Cite this Entry

“Asparagine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asparagine. Accessed 22 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for asparagine

asparagine

noun
as·​par·​a·​gine | \ ə-ˈspar-ə-ˌjēn How to pronounce asparagine (audio) \

Medical Definition of asparagine

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

More from Merriam-Webster on asparagine

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about asparagine

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