glycine

noun

gly·​cine ˈglī-ˌsēn  ˈglī-sᵊn 

: a sweet crystalline amino acid C₂H₅NO₂ obtained especially by hydrolysis of proteins

Examples of glycine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Made from magnesium and glycine (an amino acid), magnesium glycinate may be used to treat depression and anxiety. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 20 Nov. 2024

Rosetta caught whiffs of glycine (opens a new tab), one of the amino acid building blocks of proteins. —Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 13 Nov. 2024

The breakdown of glycine and leucine, the two amino acids added to the blood, were deemed responsible for as much as 60% of the bat’s total energy production during the run. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024

Peptide and glycine are the stars here, which work to strengthen strands and reverse signs of damage—from split ends to dull luster. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

glycine

noun

gly·​cine ˈglī-ˌsēn  ˈglīs-ᵊn 

: a sweet crystalline nonessential amino acid C₂H₅NO₂ that is a neurotransmitter which induces inhibition of postsynaptic neurons, is obtained by hydrolysis of proteins or is prepared synthetically, and is used in the form of its salt as an antacid or in aqueous solution as an irrigating fluid in transurethral surgery

—abbreviation Gly

called also aminoacetic acid, glycocoll