amino acid

noun

: an amphoteric organic acid containing the amino group NH2
especially : any of the various amino acids having the amino group in the alpha position that are the chief components of proteins and are synthesized by living cells or are obtained as essential components of the diet

Examples of amino acid 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.
Quinoa When cooked well, quinoa is a soft grain that provides protein, fiber, and amino acids that support tissue repair. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Oct. 2025 The waste is first reduced to simple compounds such as amino acids and sugars. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025 Despite its toxicity to life now, hydrogen cyanide in particular is one of the building blocks of amino acids, which are used to construct proteins, and nucleobases in RNA and DNA. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2025 The team is also investigating whether cysteine could stimulate hair follicle regeneration, with plans to further explore other amino acids that appear to influence stem cell regeneration. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amino acid

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amino acid was in 1897

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Cite this Entry

“Amino acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amino%20acid. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

amino acid

noun
ami·​no acid
ə-ˈmē-nō-
: any of numerous acids that include some which are the building blocks of proteins and are made by living cells from simpler compounds or are obtained in the diet

Medical Definition

amino acid

noun
: an amphoteric organic acid containing the amino group NH2
especially : alpha-amino acid

More from Merriam-Webster on amino acid

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