lysine

noun

ly·​sine ˈlī-ˌsēn How to pronounce lysine (audio)
: a crystalline essential amino acid C6H14N2O2 obtained from the hydrolysis of various proteins

Examples of lysine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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While quinoa is a complete protein, many grains are lower in lysine, an amino acid that is more abundant in legumes, dairy, eggs, and animal proteins. Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 30 May 2026 The other six essential amino acids required to build and repair muscle are histidine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, and tryptophan. Shimite Obialo, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 Regardless, this cheese is a complete milk protein and has a particularly high concentration of lysine, an essential amino acid necessary for building muscles, as well as calcium to support strong bones. Philipp Wehsack, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026 These amino acids include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine – collectively necessary for building muscle, producing enzymes and hormones and maintaining healthy tissue. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lysine

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lysine was in 1892

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Cite this Entry

“Lysine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lysine. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

lysine

noun
ly·​sine ˈlī-ˌsēn How to pronounce lysine (audio)
: an essential amino acid obtained from various proteins

Medical Definition

lysine

noun
ly·​sine ˈlī-ˌsēn How to pronounce lysine (audio)
: a crystalline essential amino acid C6H14N2O2 obtained from the hydrolysis of various proteins
abbreviation Lys

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