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

Like soybeans, lupins contain all nine essential amino acids. —Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026

However, both are high-quality, complete proteins, containing all nine essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, hormone production, and other critical processes. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 Feb. 2026

There are also many essential amino acids, including 6.6 grams of branched-chain amino acids, which are vital for significant muscle recovery and growth. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026

Bamboo shoots contain thiamine, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin E — along with essential amino acids and the minerals selenium and potassium. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026

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