valine

noun

va·​line ˈva-ˌlēn  ˈvā- 

: a crystalline essential amino acid C₅H₁₁NO₂ that is one of the building blocks of plant and animal proteins

Examples of valine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The rare genetic disorder is when the body cannot break down three specific protein building blocks — leucine, isoleucine and valine — according to the Cleveland Clinic. — Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026

Researchers highlighted three essential amino acids that are building blocks of protein — methionine, isoleucine and valine. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Three specific essential amino acids—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—are called Branched-Chain Amino Acids. — Shimite Obialo, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Isoleucine is one of three highly similar amino acids, along with leucine and valine. — ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Valin, from Valeriansäure valeric acid + -in -ine entry 2

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for valine

• beanie
• genie
• sweeney
• sweeny
• teeny
• acini
• aldine
• amine
• arsine
• carinii
• cosine
• delphine

Medical Definition

valine

noun

va·​line ˈvā-ˌlēn  ˈva-ˌlēn 

: a crystalline essential amino acid C₅H₁₁NO₂ that occurs especially in fibrous proteins

—abbreviation Val