arginine

American  

[ahr-juh-neen, -nahyn, -nin] / ˈɑr dʒəˌnin, -ˌnaɪn, -nɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. an essential amino acid, C 6 H 14 N 4 O 2 : the free amino acid increases insulin secretion and is converted to urea in the liver by arginase. Arg; R

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arginine British  

/ ˈɑːdʒɪˌnaɪn /

noun

1. an essential amino acid of plant and animal proteins, necessary for nutrition and for the production of excretory urea

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arginine Scientific  

/ är′jə-nēn′ /

1. An amino acid that is essential for children but not for adults. Chemical formula: C ₆ H ₁₄ N ₄ O ₂ .

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Etymology

Origin of arginine

First recorded in 1885–90, arginine is from the German word Arginin, a name unexplained by its originators

Example Sentences

Because arginine is already used clinically in Japan and has been shown to safely reach the brain, it could bypass some of the early hurdles that slow down traditional drug development.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

The researchers found that arginine reduced the activity of genes linked to pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are associated with neuroinflammation, a major feature of Alzheimer's disease.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

This suggests that arginine may not only prevent harmful protein aggregation but also protect brain cells more broadly.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

To address this limitation, the researchers developed a targeted supplement containing methionine, arginine, and serine.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

In vertebrates, the basis for the phosphoric acid is creatine, whereas invertebrates have arginine instead.

From History of Phosphorus by Farber, Eduard