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

This powder has a substantial 20 grams of protein per serving and includes all essential amino acids, which have been shown to assist with muscle building and repair when paired with strength training. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 20 June 2024

Summary Lysine is an essential amino acid that can be found in high-protein foods like meat, nuts, beans, and eggs. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 6 June 2024

Corn, for example — considered a dietary staple by many people — is missing the essential amino acids tryptophan, lysine and threonine. —Ascend Agency, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2024

Moreover, the nopal is rich in essential amino acids that cut down water weight (2). —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

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