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

Animal proteins, like chicken and eggs, contain all nine essential amino acids. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Nov. 2024

Phenylalanine, an essential amino acid found in unbuzzd, helps produce neurotransmitters like dopamine, which can restore mental balance and improve mood after binge drinking. —Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 21 Oct. 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

Whey Protein Whey is a protein found in milk that contains the essential amino acids necessary for muscle growth. —Mary Choy, Health, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

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