phenylalanine

noun

phe·​nyl·​al·​a·​nine ˌfe-nᵊl-ˈa-lə-ˌnēn How to pronounce phenylalanine (audio)
ˌfē-
: an essential amino acid C9H11NO2 that is converted in the normal body to tyrosine

Examples of phenylalanine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Tuna contains phenylalanine and tryptophan, both of which have been linked to antidepressant properties. Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Health, 9 Sep. 2024 This causes phenylalanine to build up in the blood, leading to brain damage and intellectual disability.34 Tyrosine is made from phenylalanine, so people with PKU typically have low levels of tyrosine in their blood. Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Ld, Health, 10 Aug. 2024 People with a rare genetic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU) disease, a difficulty metabolizing phenylalanine, should avoid or restrict aspartame. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 8 Aug. 2024 Because aspartame contains the natural amino acid phenylalanine, people with phenylketonuria should avoid aspartame. Trang Tran, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 26 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for phenylalanine 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phenylalanine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phenylalanine was circa 1883

Dictionary Entries Near phenylalanine

Cite this Entry

“Phenylalanine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenylalanine. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

phenylalanine

noun
phe·​nyl·​al·​a·​nine ˌfen-ᵊl-ˈal-ə-ˌnēn, ˌfēn- How to pronounce phenylalanine (audio)
: an essential amino acid C9H11NO2 that is obtained in its levorotatory L-form by the hydrolysis of proteins (as lactalbumin), that is essential in human nutrition, and that is converted in the normal body to tyrosine
abbreviation Phe
see phenylketonuria, phenylpyruvic acid

More from Merriam-Webster on phenylalanine

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