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essential amino acid
noun
: any of various amino acids that are required for normal health and growth in many vertebrates, are either not manufactured in the body or manufactured in insufficient quantities, are usually supplied by dietary protein, and include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine compare nonessential amino acid
Examples of essential amino acid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This may include a diet rich in essential amino acids, minerals, fatty acids and carbohydrates.
—Ankur Bindal, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
The tofu in my miso soup, and beans in general, are good sources of protein and essential amino acids, without the cholesterol and environmental impact that meat, dairy or poultry can have.
—Michiko Tomioka, Contributor, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2025
Experts believe that not getting the nine essential amino acids in protein can disrupt the metabolic processes involved in growing tall.
—Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2024
These sources have the highest amounts of protein and all the essential amino acids our bodies need.
—Kristen Gasnick, Pt, Dpt, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1911, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of essential amino acid was
in 1911
Dictionary Entries Near essential amino acid
Cite this Entry
“Essential amino acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essential%20amino%20acid. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
essential amino acid
noun
: an amino acid that is necessary for proper growth of the animal body and that cannot be made by the body in sufficient amounts but must be obtained from food containing proteins
Medical Definition
essential amino acid
noun
: any of various alpha-amino acids that are required for normal health and growth, are either not manufactured in the body or manufactured in insufficient quantities, are usually supplied by dietary protein, and in humans include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine
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