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
Animal proteins, like chicken and eggs, contain all nine essential amino acids.
—
Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Nov. 2024
Phenylalanine, an essential amino acid found in unbuzzd, helps produce neurotransmitters like dopamine, which can restore mental balance and improve mood after binge drinking.
—Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
Milk, and in particular whey protein from milk, happen to be particularly high in leucine and other essential amino acids.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 15 Oct. 2024
Whey Protein Whey is a protein found in milk that contains the essential amino acids necessary for muscle growth.
—Mary Choy, Health, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for essential amino acid 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Nov. 2024
Phenylalanine, an essential amino acid found in unbuzzd, helps produce neurotransmitters like dopamine, which can restore mental balance and improve mood after binge drinking.
—Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
Milk, and in particular whey protein from milk, happen to be particularly high in leucine and other essential amino acids.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 15 Oct. 2024
Whey Protein Whey is a protein found in milk that contains the essential amino acids necessary for muscle growth.
—Mary Choy, Health, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for essential amino acid
Dictionary Entries Near essential amino acid
Cite this Entry
“Essential amino acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essential%20amino%20acid. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share