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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The protein in oats lacks the amino acid lysine, potentially affecting digestion. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 14 Jan. 2025 The building blocks of protein are known as amino acids. Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 10 Jan. 2025 Ribosomes read the mRNA sequence, and as the ribosome moves along the mRNA, amino acids are linked together in the order specified, forming a growing protein chain. New Atlas, 1 Jan. 2025 This rich hair cream is spiked with amino acids that strengthen hair and prevent ends from splitting in the future. Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near amino acid

Cite this Entry

“Amino acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amino%20acid. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on amino acid

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