lysine

noun

ly·​sine ˈlī-ˌsēn How to pronounce lysine (audio)
: a crystalline essential amino acid C6H14N2O2 obtained from the hydrolysis of various proteins

Examples of lysine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Oysters contain an inordinate amount of zinc and copper, and the amino acids proline and lysine, precursors of collagen. Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 1 July 2025 It is manufactured from lysine (an amino acid) and can suppress the production of the pigment melanin.2 Jump to Key Takeaways. Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 19 June 2025 Nine essential amino acids—histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine—are available only through foods or supplements. Stacey Colino, Time, 27 May 2025 So, the researchers put in extra copies of the genes needed to produce one specific amino acid (lysine). John Timmer, Ars Technica, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lysine

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lysine was in 1892

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Cite this Entry

“Lysine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lysine. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

lysine

noun
ly·​sine ˈlī-ˌsēn How to pronounce lysine (audio)
: an essential amino acid obtained from various proteins

Medical Definition

lysine

noun
ly·​sine ˈlī-ˌsēn How to pronounce lysine (audio)
: a crystalline essential amino acid C6H14N2O2 obtained from the hydrolysis of various proteins
abbreviation Lys

More from Merriam-Webster on lysine

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