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noun

lysine

LY-seen
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Lysine (noun) means Lysine is an amino acid that occurs in proteins and is essential in the human diet. Example: “Lysine is one of the amino acids the body cannot make on its own.”

noun
1
Lysine is an amino acid that occurs in proteins and is essential in the human diet.
"Lysine is one of the amino acids the body cannot make on its own."
"Some people take a lysine supplement to support their diet."
"Lysine is found naturally in foods such as meat and dairy."

How to use lysine

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLysine is one of the amino acids your body needs from food to build protein.

When to use it

Lysine is a technical term from biochemistry and nutrition.

Memory tip

Spell it with a 'y', not an 'i': l-y-s-i-n-e.

Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
essential amino acid lysine supplement L-lysine
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ is one of the amino acids the body cannot make on its own.

Etymology

Lysine is built from lysis and the suffix -ine, pointing to the molecule's part in catalytic processes.

Origin: English

Rhymes for lysine

See all rhymes for lysine →

Frequently asked questions

What is lysine?
Lysine is an amino acid with the chemical formula C6H14N2O2, occurring in living organisms in its L-form.
Is lysine essential for humans?
Yes, in humans the L-form of lysine is classed as an essential amino acid.
Where does the word lysine come from?
It comes from lysis plus the suffix -ine, a nod to lysine's role in catalysis.
What is the meaning of lysine?
"lysine" (noun) means lysine is an amino acid that occurs in proteins and is essential in the human diet.