amino acid

noun

: an amphoteric organic acid containing the amino group NH₂

especially : any of the various amino acids having the amino group in the alpha position that are the chief components of proteins and are synthesized by living cells or are obtained as essential components of the diet

Examples of amino acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers were also interested in exploring the protein denaturation — the changing of physical and chemical properties — to assess the levels of polyphenols and amino acids within the yolk, as these contain vital nutrients. —Julianna Bragg, CNN, 18 Feb. 2025

Consuming certain vitamins and amino acids may help the body produce NAD+. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 8 Feb. 2025

That includes formaldehyde and extremely high levels of ammonia, which react with each other to form amino acids under the right conditions. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 30 Jan. 2025

The formula has evolved over the years to now include skin-boosting vitamins and amino acids. —Clare Holden, Glamour, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

amino acid

noun

ami·​no acid

ə-ˈmē-nō-

: any of numerous acids that include some which are the building blocks of proteins and are made by living cells from simpler compounds or are obtained in the diet

Medical Definition

amino acid

noun

: an amphoteric organic acid containing the amino group NH₂

especially : alpha-amino acid