lysine

noun

ly·​sine ˈlī-ˌsēn How to pronounce lysine (audio)
: a crystalline essential amino acid C6H14N2O2 obtained from the hydrolysis of various proteins

Examples of lysine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
So, the researchers put in extra copies of the genes needed to produce one specific amino acid (lysine). John Timmer, Ars Technica, 17 Mar. 2025 Your body makes creatine from the amino acids lysine, arginine, and methionine. Jillian Kubala, Health, 17 Apr. 2025 That worked, producing more polymer, with a higher percentage of the polymer being lysine. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 17 Mar. 2025 The protein in oats lacks the amino acid lysine, potentially affecting digestion. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lysine

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lysine was in 1892

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lysine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lysine. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

lysine

noun
ly·​sine ˈlī-ˌsēn How to pronounce lysine (audio)
: an essential amino acid obtained from various proteins

Medical Definition

lysine

noun
ly·​sine ˈlī-ˌsēn How to pronounce lysine (audio)
: a crystalline essential amino acid C6H14N2O2 obtained from the hydrolysis of various proteins
abbreviation Lys

More from Merriam-Webster on lysine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!