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

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for essential amino acid

• antacid
• placid

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