glycine

noun

gly·​cine ˈglī-ˌsēn  ˈglī-sᵊn 

: a sweet crystalline amino acid C₂H₅NO₂ obtained especially by hydrolysis of proteins

Examples of glycine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The glycine component independently lowers core body temperature and promotes deeper sleep through NMDA receptor interaction. —Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026

The glycine component adds its own sleep-promoting effect by lowering core body temperature through NMDA receptor interaction. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026

Magnesium glycinate is the type most used for sleep since glycine is an amino acid that’s involved in the mechanisms of sleep and gentle on the stomach, according to Cassetty. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026

For example, magnesium bisglycinate is made by combining magnesium with the amino acid glycine, which may have calming and sleep-promoting properties. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for glycine

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between

Medical Definition

glycine

noun

gly·​cine ˈglī-ˌsēn  ˈglīs-ᵊn 

: a sweet crystalline nonessential amino acid C₂H₅NO₂ that is a neurotransmitter which induces inhibition of postsynaptic neurons, is obtained by hydrolysis of proteins or is prepared synthetically, and is used in the form of its salt as an antacid or in aqueous solution as an irrigating fluid in transurethral surgery

—abbreviation Gly

called also aminoacetic acid, glycocoll