essential amino acid
noun Biochemistry.
any amino acid that is required by an animal for growth but that cannot be synthesized by the animal's cells and must be supplied in the diet.
Origin of essential amino acid
First recorded in 1935–40
Words nearby essential amino acid
essence,
essence d'orient,
essence of bergamot,
essene,
essential,
essential amino acid,
essential dysmenorrhea,
essential element,
essential fatty acid,
essential fructosuria,
essential hematuria
Medical definitions for essential amino acid
essential amino acid
n.
An alpha-amino acid that is required for protein synthesis but cannot be synthesized by humans and must be obtained in the diet.