protein
pronunciation
How to pronounce protein in British English:
UK [ˈprəʊtiːn]
How to pronounce protein in American English:
US [ˈproʊtiːn]
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- Noun:
- any of a large group of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells; consist of polymers of amino acids; essential in the diet of animals for growth and for repair of tissues; can be obtained from meat and eggs and milk
Word Origin
- protein
- protein: [19] The word protein was coined (as French protéine) by the Dutch chemist Mulder in the late 1830s. He based it on late Greek prōteios ‘primary’, a derivative of Greek prótos ‘first’ (see PROTOZOA), the notion being that proteins were substances of ‘primary’ importance to the proper functioning of the body.
- protein (n.)
- 1844, from French protéine, coined 1838 by Dutch chemist Gerhard Johan Mulder (1802-1880), perhaps on suggestion of Berzelius, from Greek proteios "the first quality," from protos "first" (see proto-) + -ine (2). Originally a theoretical substance thought to be essential to life, further studies of the substances he was working with overthrew this, but the words protein and proteid continued to be used in international work on the matter and also for other organic compounds; the modern use as a general name for a class of bodies arose in German. The confusion became so great a committee was set up in 1907 to sort out the nomenclature, which it did, giving protein its modern meaning and banishing proteid.
Example
- 1. Protein and alcohol require the most energy .
- 2. Instead it was a molecule called green fluorescent protein .
- 3. Protein should make up about 15 % of your daily intake .
- 4. Try a commercially prepared protein supplement .
- 5. Zinc and protein intakes are adequate .