homocysteine

noun

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ho·mo·cys·te·ine | \ ˌhō-mō-ˈsi-stə-ˌēn

, ˌhä-

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

Examples of homocysteine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web More specifically, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase converts the amino acid homocysteine to another, methionine. — Tara C. Smith, SELF, 18 Mar. 2019 Because folic acid can lower homocysteine levels, researchers once hoped that folic acid supplements would prevent heart attacks and strokes. — Liz Szabo, CNN, 13 Apr. 2018 Because folic acid can lower homocysteine levels, researchers once hoped that folic acid supplements would prevent heart attacks and strokes. — Liz Szabo, chicagotribune.com, 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, CNN, 13 Apr. 2018 Because folic acid can lower homocysteine levels, researchers once hoped that folic acid supplements would prevent heart attacks and strokes. — Liz Szabo, chicagotribune.com, 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, CNN, 13 Apr. 2018 Because folic acid can lower homocysteine levels, researchers once hoped that folic acid supplements would prevent heart attacks and strokes. — Liz Szabo, chicagotribune.com, 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, chicagotribune.com, 6 Apr. 2018 See More

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.

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Dictionary Entries Near homocysteine

Homocoela

homocysteine

homodermic

Statistics for homocysteine

Cite this Entry

“Homocysteine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homocysteine. Accessed 27 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for homocysteine

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