alanine

noun al·a·nine \ˈa-lə-ˌnēn\

Definition of ALANINE

: a simple nonessential crystalline amino acid C₃H₇NO₂

See alanine defined for kids

German Alanin, irregular from Aldehyd aldehyde

First Known Use: 1850

Medical Dictionary

noun al·a·nine \ˈal-ə-ˌnēn\

: a simple nonessential crystalline amino acid C₃H₇NO₂ formed especially by the hydrolysis of proteins—abbreviation Ala

Next Word in the Dictionary: alanine transaminasePrevious Word in the Dictionary: AlangiumAll Words Near: alanine

What made you want to look up alanine? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears