amino acid

noun

: an amphoteric organic acid containing the amino group NH2
especially : any of the various amino acids having the amino group in the alpha position that are the chief components of proteins and are synthesized by living cells or are obtained as essential components of the diet

Examples of amino acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Without carbs, on the other hand, those amino acids won’t reach your muscles as speedily. Caroline Tien, SELF, 9 Apr. 2026 Illustration by Sophi Miyoko Gullbrants Peptides, scientifically speaking, are short chains of amino acids in your body that often act as signalling molecules. Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026 In addition to melatonin, some foods contain tryptophan, an amino acid that can be converted into melatonin in the body, research shows. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026 What Makes the Glycinate Form Different Magnesium glycinate is chelated to the amino acid glycine, which improves how efficiently it’s absorbed through the intestinal wall. Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for amino acid

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amino acid was in 1897

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Cite this Entry

“Amino acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amino%20acid. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

amino acid

noun
ami·​no acid
ə-ˈmē-nō-
: any of numerous acids that include some which are the building blocks of proteins and are made by living cells from simpler compounds or are obtained in the diet

Medical Definition

amino acid

noun
: an amphoteric organic acid containing the amino group NH2
especially : alpha-amino acid

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