essential amino acid

noun

: any of various amino acids that are required for normal health and growth in many vertebrates, are either not manufactured in the body or manufactured in insufficient quantities, are usually supplied by dietary protein, and include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine compare nonessential amino acid

Examples of essential amino acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is because most plant proteins are missing some essential amino acids needed to make protein. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 14 Oct. 2025

Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids and are typically derived from animal sources, but also from whole food sources like soy, such as tofu and edamame. —Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2025

It's packed with nutrition and health perks and contains all the essential amino acids, like those found in meat. —Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2025

Nutritional yeast Nutritional yeast is rich in B vitamins, essential amino acids, and vitamins such as selenium, phosphorus, and magnesium. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for essential amino acid

• antacid
• placid

Kids Definition

essential amino acid

noun

: an amino acid that is necessary for proper growth of the animal body and that cannot be made by the body in sufficient amounts but must be obtained from food containing proteins

Medical Definition

essential amino acid

noun

: any of various alpha-amino acids that are required for normal health and growth, are either not manufactured in the body or manufactured in insufficient quantities, are usually supplied by dietary protein, and in humans include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine