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
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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 See all Example Sentences for essential amino acid 

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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