arginine

[ ahr-juh-neen, -nahyn, -nin ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. an essential amino acid, C 6 H 14 N 4 O 2 : the free amino acid increases insulin secretion and is converted to urea in the liver by arginase. : Arg; : R

arginine

/ ˈɑːdʒɪˌnaɪn /

noun

1. an essential amino acid of plant and animal proteins, necessary for nutrition and for the production of excretory urea

arginine

/ är′jə-nēn′ /

1. An amino acid that is essential for children but not for adults. Chemical formula: C 6 H 14 N 4 O 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of arginine¹

First recorded in 1885–90, arginine is from the German word Arginin, a name unexplained by its originators

Word History and Origins

Origin of arginine¹

C19: from German Arginin, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

All cells need nutrients to grow and multiply, including amino acids like arginine.

From Science Daily

The key to treating the disease is to reduce levels of arginine.

From Seattle Times

A simplified and more easily tolerated test uses an infusion of arginine.

From Science Daily

Take for example the amino acid arginine: This is essential for generating nitric oxide within immune cells, which is an important defense molecule against organisms.

From Salon

The team focused on TKTL1, a gene that in modern humans has a single amino acid change—from lysine to arginine—from the version in Neanderthals and other mammals.

From Science Magazine