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

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

The researchers found that arginine reduced the activity of genes linked to pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are associated with neuroinflammation, a major feature of Alzheimer's disease.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

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

Their analysis revealed that two amino acids, arginine and tyrosine, interact in a specific way that causes the silk proteins to cluster together at the earliest stages.

From Science Daily • Feb. 6, 2026

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

From History of Phosphorus by Farber, Eduard