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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Your body needs 20 amino acids to function, but only nine are classified as essential because your body can’t produce them on its own. Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Mar. 2026 This cream features a blend of keratin amino acids and rice protein to address dryness from inside the strands. Eden Stuart, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2026 Plant proteins also contain essential amino acids, but some may have lower amounts of certain amino acids. Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2026 Longmore noted that some of the complex molecules are thought to be precursors to amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 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 7 Mar. 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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