aspartic acid

American  

[uh-spahr-tik] / əˈspɑr tɪk /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a nonessential amino acid, C 4 H 7 NO 4 , produced by the hydrolysis of asparagine and proteins, found chiefly in young sugarcane and sugar-beet molasses, and used in the preparation of culture media and as a dietary supplement. Asp; D

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aspartic acid British  

/ əˈspɑːtɪk /

noun

1. a nonessential amino acid that is a component of proteins and acts as a neurotransmitter

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aspartic acid Scientific  

/ ə-spär′tĭk /

1. A nonessential amino acid. Chemical formula: C ₄ H ₇ NO ₄ .

2. See more at amino acid

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Etymology

Origin of aspartic acid

First recorded in 1830–40; aspar(agus) + -tic

Compare meaning

How does aspartic-acid compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• aspartate vs. aspartic acid

Example Sentences

It’s one of the few sources of aspartic acid, which, along with glutamic acid, is responsible for the vegetable’s savory, umami flavor.

From Salon • May 14, 2025

These metabolites include phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol.

From Salon • Jul. 14, 2023

Phenylalanine and aspartic acid are both amino acids used by the body for various functions.

From Salon • Jul. 14, 2023

The WHO reports show that aspartame itself is rapidly broken down in the gut into three other substances - phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol.

From BBC • Jul. 13, 2023

Amids: this term is frequently applied to the nitrogenous non-albuminoid compounds of vegetable foods and feeding stuffs, among which are amido acids, such as aspartic acid and asparagin.

From Public School Domestic Science by Hoodless, Adelaide