theanine

noun

the·​a·​nine ˈthē-ə-ˌnēn How to pronounce theanine (audio)
variants or L-theanine
: an amino acid C7H14N2O3 found especially in green tea and used as a dietary supplement
Green tea, which is rich in a depression-fighting amino acid called theanine, has previously been lauded for its health benefits.Camilla Turner

Examples of theanine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
However, when participants were given 200 milligrams of theanine daily for four weeks, no improvements were seen in memory, motor speed, decision-making, or verbal skills. Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 30 Oct. 2024 Researchers believe this is because of matcha’s theanine content—an amino acid found in green tea. Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 2 Sep. 2024 Increasing the time tea steeps increases the amount of caffeine and other components like theanine. Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024 Green tea has the highest concentration of theanine compared to other types of tea, according to a 2016 study in Pharmacognosy Magazine. Lindsay Funston, Health, 12 Dec. 2022 See all Example Sentences for theanine 

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of theanine was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near theanine

Cite this Entry

“Theanine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theanine. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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