noun

methionine

mih-THY-ə-neen

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Methionine (noun) means a sulphur-containing amino acid that occurs widely in living organisms and is an essential nutrient for humans. Example: “Methionine is one of the amino acids the body cannot make for itself.”

noun

biochemistry A sulphur-containing amino acid that occurs widely in living organisms and is an essential nutrient for humans.

"Methionine is one of the amino acids the body cannot make for itself."

"Eggs and meat are good dietary sources of methionine."

"The supplement contains added methionine to support protein synthesis."

How to use methionine

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn amino acid containing sulphur that the body needs but cannot make on its own.

When to use it

It is a technical term from biochemistry, chiefly used in scientific and nutritional contexts.

Memory tip

Note the spelling has one h and a single t, unlike similar-sounding chemical names.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

cysteine

Common pairings

essential amino acid methionine methionine synthesis dietary methionine methionine and cysteine

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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”.

Test yourself on “methionine” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ is one of the amino acids the body cannot make for itself.

Etymology

Methionine was built from the word methyl, combined with thio-, a form indicating sulphur, an inserted -n-, and the chemical suffix -ine used for amino acids and similar compounds. The name reflects its methyl and sulphur-containing structure.

Origin: English

Rhymes for methionine

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

See all rhymes for methionine →

Frequently asked questions

What is methionine used for?

It is an essential amino acid the body needs for building proteins, and it is obtained from food since humans cannot produce it themselves.

What foods contain methionine?

It occurs widely in protein-rich foods, since it is found in most proteins in living organisms.

Why is methionine called an essential amino acid?

It is called essential because the human body cannot synthesise it and must obtain it from the diet.

What is the meaning of methionine?

"methionine" (noun) means a sulphur-containing amino acid that occurs widely in living organisms and is an essential nutrient for humans.