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

See Examples For:

arginine

Researchers from Kindai University and partner institutions found that arginine, a naturally occurring amino acid, can reduce the buildup of harmful Aβ proteins in animal models of Alzheimer's.

From Science Daily ● May 4, 2026

In laboratory experiments, the scientists first showed that arginine can block the formation of Aβ42 aggregates, which are considered especially toxic.

From Science Daily ● May 4, 2026

"Our results revealed differences in acidity of the biofilms, with the ones treated with arginine being significantly more protected against acidification caused by sugar metabolism" says the first author, Yumi C. Del Rey.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 9, 2026

Earlier laboratory studies conducted outside the human body also suggested that arginine can change the overall makeup of dental biofilms.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 9, 2026

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

From History of Phosphorus by Farber, Eduard