homocysteine

noun ho·mo·cys·te·ine \ ˌhō-mō-ˈsi-stə-ˌēn , ˌhä- \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of homocysteine

: an amino acid C₄H₉NO₂S that is produced in animal metabolism by the demethylation of methionine and that appears to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease when occurring at high levels in the blood

Recent Examples of homocysteine from the Web

Because folic acid can lower homocysteine levels, researchers once hoped that folic acid supplements would prevent heart attacks and strokes.

— liz szabo, chicagotribune.com, "Older Americans are hooked on vitamins despite scarce evidence they work," 6 Apr. 2018
Because folic acid can lower homocysteine levels, researchers once hoped that folic acid supplements would prevent heart attacks and strokes.

— liz szabo, USA TODAY, "Are you over 65 and take vitamins? They don't usually help — and sometimes they harm," 4 Apr. 2018
Because folic acid can lower homocysteine levels, researchers once hoped that folic acid supplements would prevent heart attacks and strokes.

— liz szabo, Washington Post, "Older Americans Are Hooked On Vitamins Despite Scarce Evidence They Work," 4 Apr. 2018
Doing the dirty deed seems to lower blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that’s been associated with artery plaque buildup.

— lacy schley, Discover Magazine, "By the Numbers: Keeping a Heart Healthy," 7 Sep. 2017
One of the markers for inflammation in the body is a nonprotein amino acid called homocysteine.

— seanne safaii-waite, idahostatesman, "Brain food: Can Alzheimer’s disease be prevented?," 19 June 2017
Research shows that homocysteine levels tend to be elevated in people whose diets are high in animal protein.

— seanne safaii-waite, idahostatesman, "Brain food: Can Alzheimer’s disease be prevented?," 19 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'homocysteine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of homocysteine

International Scientific Vocabulary hom- + cysteine

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1932

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

homocysteine

noun ho·mo·cys·te·ine \ ˌhō-mō-ˈsis-tə-ˌēn , ˌhäm-ō- \

medical Definition of homocysteine

: an amino acid C₄H₉NO₂S that is produced in animal metabolism by the demethylation of methionine and forms a complex with serine that breaks up to produce cysteine and homoserine and that appears to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease when occurring at high levels in the blood