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: a white crystalline essential amino acid C6H13NO2 that is obtained by the hydrolysis of dietary protein (as of eggs, soy, or fish) and plays an important role in various physiological functions (as the regulation of insulin secretion and stimulation of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle)
Examples of leucine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The breakdown of glycine and leucine, the two amino acids added to the blood, were deemed responsible for as much as 60% of the bat’s total energy production during the run.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
Milk, and in particular whey protein from milk, happen to be particularly high in leucine and other essential amino acids.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 15 Oct. 2024
There’s also astaxanthin combined with glutamine and leucine—amino acids that may also play a role in exercise recovery.
—Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Verywell Health, 9 July 2024
This product, from Optimum Nutrition, delivers that plus a hearty 24 grams of protein per serving, including 3 grams of leucine.
—Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 8 July 2024
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Word History
Etymology
French, from leuc- leuk-
First Known Use
1826, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near leucine
Cite this Entry
“Leucine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leucine. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
leucine
noun
leu·cine
ˈlü-ˌsēn
: an amino acid that is very important in the nutrition of human beings
Medical Definition
leucine
noun
leu·cine
ˈlü-ˌsēn
: a white crystalline essential amino acid C6H13NO2 obtained by the hydrolysis of most dietary proteins
—abbreviation Leu
More from Merriam-Webster on leucine
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about leucine
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