betaine

noun

be·​ta·​ine ˈbē-tə-ˌēn 

: a sweet crystalline quaternary ammonium salt C₅H₁₁NO₂ obtained especially from sugar beets

also : its hydrate or its hydrochloride

Examples of betaine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lauramidopropyl betaine, a surfactant that behaves like soap, was the best option. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 17 June 2020

Beets are an excellent source of betaine, a nutrient that has potential to help fight inflammation, improve vascular risk factors and enhance performance [1]. —Ashton Yoon, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2017

Most products contain beta-alanine, an amino acid shown to regulate acidity, as well as betaine and creatine monohydrate. —Dallas News, 15 Feb. 2022

Each serving is packed with betaine, L-glycine, taurine, caffeine, and creatine. —The Salt Lake Tribune, 28 Oct. 2022

More betaine in breast milk was associated with more Akkerrmansia in the babies’ fecal samples at 12 months of age. —Jennifer Couzin-Frankel, Science | AAAS, 31 Mar. 2021

One stood out: betaine, which was linked to that unwanted growth when levels were low. —Jennifer Couzin-Frankel, Science | AAAS, 31 Mar. 2021

Follow with lukewarm water and a dime-size amount of cleanser (look for the ingredients cocamidopropyl betaine or caprylic triglyceride, which are sulfate-free surfactants) on your fingers or a clean, damp washcloth. —Chelsea Hall, Marie Claire, 8 Apr. 2020

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin beta beet

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

betaine

noun

be·​ta·​ine ˈbēt-ə-ˌēn 

: a sweet crystalline quaternary ammonium salt C₅H₁₁NO₂ that was first isolated in beet juice and is used to treat homocystinuria and is also used in the form of its hydrochloride C₅H₁₁NO₂·HCl as a source of hydrochloric acid especially to treat hypochlorhydria