glutamic acid

Also gluta·minic acid

[gloo-tam-ik]

noun

Biochemistry.

1. an amino acid, HOOCCH 2 CH 2 CH(NH2 )COOH, obtained by hydrolysis from wheat gluten and sugar-beet residues, used commercially chiefly in the form of its sodium salt to intensify the flavor of meat or other food. Glu; E

glutamic acid

/ ˌɡluːtəˈmɪnɪk, ɡluːˈtæmɪk /

noun

1. a nonessential amino acid, occurring in proteins, that acts as a neurotransmitter and plays a part in nitrogen metabolism

glutamic acid

1. A nonessential amino acid. Chemical formula: C ₅ H ₉ NO ₄ .

2. See more at amino acid

Word History and Origins

Origin of glutamic acid¹

First recorded in 1870–75; glut(en) + amic ( def. )