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essential amino acid
noun
: any of various amino acids that are required for normal health and growth in many vertebrates, are either not manufactured in the body or manufactured in insufficient quantities, are usually supplied by dietary protein, and include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine compare nonessential amino acid
Examples of essential amino acid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Whole Moon Plant Beverages Whole Moon plant beverages offer Whole Protein, capturing all nine essential amino acids and nutrition only from the legume, nut and grain.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
One cup contains all the essential amino acids and 18 g of protein.
18.
—
Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025
Breadfruit is nutritious, possessing proteins, vitamins, and essential amino acids, and its fruiting season provided reliable food security.
—
Elaine Savory, JSTOR Daily, 24 Jan. 2025
For example, pairing beans with rice or quinoa can provide all nine essential amino acids.
—
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 21 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1911, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of essential amino acid was
in 1911
Dictionary Entries Near essential amino acid
Cite this Entry
“Essential amino acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essential%20amino%20acid. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
essential amino acid
noun
: an amino acid that is necessary for proper growth of the animal body and that cannot be made by the body in sufficient amounts but must be obtained from food containing proteins
Medical Definition
essential amino acid
noun
: any of various alpha-amino acids that are required for normal health and growth, are either not manufactured in the body or manufactured in insufficient quantities, are usually supplied by dietary protein, and in humans include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine
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