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

Baczynski led a team who investigated the isotopic composition of Bennu's amino acids, focusing on the simplest amino acid in the sample, which is glycine. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026

In the brain, glycine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and affects NMDA receptors, which promote a calming, sleep-friendly state of mind. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 10 Feb. 2026

Penn State researchers identified glycine, the simplest amino acid, and one of life’s core building blocks. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026

The amino acids required for collagen synthesis, particularly glycine, proline, and lysine, are readily available from a wide range of foods including eggs, fish, poultry, dairy products, legumes, soy foods and meat. —Leeann Weintraub, Daily News, 5 Feb. 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