noun

creatine

KREE-uh-teen

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Creatine (noun) means an amino acid that vertebrates produce naturally, which their muscles and nerves use as an energy source. Example: “Creatine naturally occurs in vertebrates, including humans.”

noun

scientific An amino acid that vertebrates produce naturally, which their muscles and nerves use as an energy source.

"Creatine naturally occurs in vertebrates, including humans."

"The biochemist measured the creatine levels in the muscle sample."

"Fish and other vertebrates all produce creatine as part of their normal metabolism."

How to use creatine

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA natural substance in the body that helps give muscles and nerves their energy.

When to use it

A scientific term used mainly in biochemistry and physiology.

Memory tip

Do not confuse creatine with creatinine, a related but different compound formed as creatine breaks down.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

creatinine

Common pairings

creatine levels creatine metabolism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ naturally occurs in vertebrates, including humans.

Etymology

Borrowed from Ancient Greek kreas, meaning meat, using its genitive form kreatos, and adding the chemical suffix -ine. Despite the resemblance, the word is not related to the English word create.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for creatine

nine mine wine line sine dine fine thine shine Rhine Maine seine

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Frequently asked questions

What is creatine?

It's an amino acid the body makes on its own, and it fuels muscle and nerve activity.

Where does the word creatine come from?

It comes from the Ancient Greek word for meat, kreas, reflecting its early association with muscle tissue.

Is creatine related to the word create?

No, despite the similar spelling, creatine is not related to the word create.

What is the meaning of creatine?

"creatine" (noun) means an amino acid that vertebrates produce naturally, which their muscles and nerves use as an energy source.