glycine

American  

[glahy-seen, glahy-seen] / ˈglaɪ sin, glaɪˈsin /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a colorless, crystalline, sweet, water-soluble solid, H 2 NCH 2 COOH, the simplest amino acid: used chiefly in organic synthesis and biochemical research. Gly; G

---

glycine British  

/ ɡlaɪˈsiːn, ˈɡlaɪsiːn /

noun

1. a nonessential amino acid occurring in most proteins that acts as a neurotransmitter; aminoacetic acid

---

glycine Scientific  

/ glī′sēn′,-sĭn /

1. A nonessential amino acid. Glycine is the simplest amino acid. Chemical formula: C ₂ H ₅ NO ₂ .

2. See more at amino acid

---

Etymology

Origin of glycine

First recorded in 1850–55; glyc- + -ine ²

Example Sentences

Creatine is naturally produced by the body in the liver, kidneys and pancreas using amino acids such as glycine, arginine and methionine.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

"Here at Penn State, we have modified instrumentation that allows us to make isotopic measurements on really low abundances of organic compounds like glycine," Baczynski said.

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2026

Katie decided to try magnesium glycinate - a combination of magnesium and glycine, an amino acid with limited evidence linking it to better sleep.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2025

For successful viral entry into liver cells, a smaller amino acid like glycine, as found in hNTCP, is necessary.

From Science Daily • Dec. 3, 2024

We needed not only the essential bulk chemicals, such as amidol, metol, para-amidophenol, and glycine, but also certain rarer substances, such as the photographic sensitisers, which were so essential for the Air Force.

From The Riddle of the Rhine; chemical strategy in peace and war by Lefebure, Victor