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

Plus, as a complete protein source, edamame provides all the essential amino acids your body needs. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 30 July 2024

This bean has more protein than any other plant source on the planet and contains all of the essential amino acids. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 9 Aug. 2024

The protein source in this bar comes from soy protein isolate—a complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids—ones that your body cannot produce on its own. —Shushy Rita Setrakian Ms, Rd, Health, 9 Aug. 2024

Check the source of protein; options like whey, casein, pea, and hemp protein are considered high-quality and provide essential amino acids needed for muscle recovery. —Shushy Rita Setrakian Ms, Rd, Health, 9 Aug. 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