leucine

noun

leu·​cine ˈlü-ˌsēn How to pronounce leucine (audio)
: a white crystalline essential amino acid C6H13NO2 that is obtained by the hydrolysis of dietary protein (as of eggs, soy, or fish) and plays an important role in various physiological functions (as the regulation of insulin secretion and stimulation of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle)

Examples of leucine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 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 There’s also astaxanthin combined with glutamine and leucine—amino acids that may also play a role in exercise recovery. Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Verywell Health, 9 July 2024 This product, from Optimum Nutrition, delivers that plus a hearty 24 grams of protein per serving, including 3 grams of leucine. Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 8 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for leucine 

Word History

Etymology

French, from leuc- leuk-

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leucine was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near leucine

Cite this Entry

“Leucine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leucine. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

leucine

noun
leu·​cine ˈlü-ˌsēn How to pronounce leucine (audio)
: an amino acid that is very important in the nutrition of human beings

Medical Definition

leucine

noun
leu·​cine ˈlü-ˌsēn How to pronounce leucine (audio)
: a white crystalline essential amino acid C6H13NO2 obtained by the hydrolysis of most dietary proteins
abbreviation Leu

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