alanine

noun

al·​a·​nine ˈa-lə-ˌnēn 

: a simple nonessential crystalline amino acid C₃H₇NO₂

Examples of alanine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Providers measured my alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), two liver enzymes mostly located in the liver. —Anthony Villiotti, Health, 10 May 2025

Elevated levels of the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are common signs of MASH.2 Fibrosis tests: Fibrosis is the development of scar tissue. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 14 Mar. 2025

Miller and Urey found that this triggered the formation of glycine, hydrogen cyanide, alanine, and other building blocks of life. —Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025

Two liver metrics, alanine transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transferase, were elevated. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German Alanin, irregular from Aldehyd aldehyde

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

alanine

noun

al·​a·​nine ˈal-ə-ˌnēn 

: an amino acid formed especially by the breakdown of proteins

Medical Definition

alanine

noun

al·​a·​nine ˈal-ə-ˌnēn 

: a simple nonessential crystalline amino acid C₃H₇NO₂ formed especially by the hydrolysis of proteins

—abbreviation Ala