leucine

noun

leu·​cine ˈlü-ˌsēn 

: a white crystalline essential amino acid C₆H₁₃NO₂ that is obtained by the hydrolysis of dietary protein (as of eggs, soy, or fish) and plays an important role in various physiological functions (as the regulation of insulin secretion and stimulation of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle)

Examples of leucine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The breakdown of glycine and leucine, the two amino acids added to the blood, were deemed responsible for as much as 60% of the bat’s total energy production during the run. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 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

There’s also astaxanthin combined with glutamine and leucine—amino acids that may also play a role in exercise recovery. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Verywell Health, 9 July 2024

This product, from Optimum Nutrition, delivers that plus a hearty 24 grams of protein per serving, including 3 grams of leucine. —Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 8 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from leuc- leuk-

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

leucine

noun

leu·​cine ˈlü-ˌsēn 

: an amino acid that is very important in the nutrition of human beings

Medical Definition

leucine

noun

leu·​cine ˈlü-ˌsēn 

: a white crystalline essential amino acid C₆H₁₃NO₂ obtained by the hydrolysis of most dietary proteins

—abbreviation Leu