tyrosine

noun

ty·​ro·​sine ˈtī-rə-ˌsēn 

: a phenolic amino acid C₉H₁₁NO₃ that is a precursor of several important substances (such as epinephrine and melanin)

Examples of tyrosine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One other type of drug, called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, blocks an enzyme that’s needed for tumor cells to grow and divide. —Linda Carroll, TIME, 5 Sep. 2024

Supplementing with low-phenylalanine or phenylalanine-free amino acid supplements with tyrosine is recommended. —Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Ld, Health, 10 Aug. 2024

For example, tyrosine is needed for the production of thyroid hormones. —Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 9 Aug. 2024

As a tyrosine kinase, BCR-ABL's role is to bind ATP and transfer one of its phosphates to a downstream signaling pathway, thus activating the pathway. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 5 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, irregular from Greek tyros cheese — more at butter

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

tyrosine

noun

ty·​ro·​sine ˈtī-rə-ˌsēn 

: a phenolic amino acid C₉H₁₁NO₃ that is a precursor of several important substances (as epinephrine and melanin)

—abbreviation Tyr