alanine

noun

al·​a·​nine ˈa-lə-ˌnēn How to pronounce alanine (audio)
: a simple nonessential crystalline amino acid C3H7NO2

Examples of alanine 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.
In rats with liver damage caused by high doses of acetaminophen, jujube supplementation decreased the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024 Blood tests to measure liver levels, including aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), were elevated in at least one of these people. Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2024 Scientists usually test for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by measuring alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the blood. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 11 June 2024 Men’s Health Nutrition Advisor Dezi Abeyta, RDN, says that some key ingredients in many pre-workout supps are beta alanine, which can help to promote muscle endurance, L-arginine or L-citrulline, which can help to optimize blood flow, and of course, caffeine for extra energy. Brett Williams, Men's Health, 14 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for alanine 

Word History

Etymology

German Alanin, irregular from Aldehyd aldehyde

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alanine was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near alanine

Cite this Entry

“Alanine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alanine. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

alanine

noun
al·​a·​nine ˈal-ə-ˌnēn How to pronounce alanine (audio)
: an amino acid formed especially by the breakdown of proteins

Medical Definition

alanine

noun
al·​a·​nine ˈal-ə-ˌnēn How to pronounce alanine (audio)
: a simple nonessential crystalline amino acid C3H7NO2 formed especially by the hydrolysis of proteins
abbreviation Ala

More from Merriam-Webster on alanine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!