glutamic acid

[ gloo-tam-ik ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. an amino acid, HOOCCH 2 CH 2 CH(NH 2 )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

/ glo̅o̅-tăm′ĭk /

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 )