adj
Uncommon
amino
uh-MEE-noh
Amino (adj) means relating to or containing an amine group, a nitrogen-based chemical structure found in many biological molecules. Example: “The lab tested the sample for amino compounds.”
adj
1
Relating to or containing an amine group, a nitrogen-based chemical structure found in many biological molecules.
"The lab tested the sample for amino compounds."
"The textbook explains how amino groups bond with other parts of a molecule."
"Students identified an amino compound by its chemical structure."
noun
1
Short for amino acid, one of the building blocks of proteins.
"Athletes often take amino supplements to help with muscle recovery."
"Each protein in your body is built from a chain of aminos."
"The label said the drink contained all the essential aminos."
How to use amino
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA chemistry term, most familiar to most people through "amino acids," the molecules that make up proteins.
Common pairings
amino acid
amino acid supplement
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Word forms
- Plural
- aminos
Fill the gap
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The lab tested the sample for _____ compounds.
Etymology
From "amine," itself traced back to "ammonia," the pungent gas whose name comes from the Egyptian god Amun.
Synonyms
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amino acid
aminic
Rhymes for amino
See all rhymes for amino →Frequently asked questions
What does “amino” mean?
The word “amino” means relating to or containing an amine group, a nitrogen-based chemical structure found in many biological molecules. In plain terms, a chemistry term, most familiar to most people through "amino acids," the molecules that make up proteins.
How do you pronounce “amino”?
“Amino” is pronounced uh-MEE-noh (/əˈminoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “amino” in a sentence?
Here is “amino” used in a sentence: “The lab tested the sample for amino compounds.”
What part of speech is “amino”?
Depending on how it is used, “amino” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “amino” a common word?
“Amino” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “amino” have?
“Amino” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to or containing an amine group, a nitrogen-based chemical structure found in many biological molecules.
What is the difference between "amino" and "amino acid"?
"Amino" is an adjective describing something relating to or containing an amine group, a nitrogen-based chemical structure. "Amino acid" is a specific noun referring to one of the building blocks of proteins; "amino" is also used informally as a short form of "amino acid."
What is the relationship between amino acids and proteins?
Amino acids are the individual building blocks that link together to form proteins. This is why the informal noun sense of "amino" is used as shorthand for "amino acid" in casual or fitness-related contexts.
Is "amino" used as both a noun and an adjective?
Yes. As an adjective, "amino" describes something containing an amine group, as in "amino compound." As a noun, it is short for "amino acid," often used informally in nutrition or supplement contexts.
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