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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
Studies have identified over 75 compounds, including polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and seven essential amino acids, in the remaining 4 percent, as well as its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and antiseptic effects.
—Karla Marie Sanford, Washington Post, 3 July 2024
The ingredient list is simply pea protein, which does include a full complement of essential amino acids.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 20 June 2024
This powder has a substantial 20 grams of protein per serving and includes all essential amino acids, which have been shown to assist with muscle building and repair when paired with strength training.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 20 June 2024
Summary Lysine is an essential amino acid that can be found in high-protein foods like meat, nuts, beans, and eggs.
—Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for essential amino acid
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'essential amino acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 14 Jul. 2024.
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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