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
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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 Of the veterinary diets, 66% were found to have lower total protein by design and were also deficient in one or more essential amino acids. New Atlas, 7 Sep. 2025 The other 11 are nonessential because the body is able to produce them itself or synthesize them from the essential amino acids, according to the US National Library of Medicine. Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 28 Aug. 2025 The impressive tech behind the mask is due to the brand’s AAComplex and Chronobiology Technology, which work in sync with your skin’s natural nighttime repair cycle to replenish essential amino acids, strengthen the barrier, and reduce visible signs of irritation. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for essential amino acid

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of essential amino acid was in 1911

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Cite this Entry

“Essential amino acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essential%20amino%20acid. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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
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