proteins
English meaning: Proteins
Definition
Any of numerous large, complex naturally-produced molecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids, in which the amino acid groups are held together by peptide bonds.
Example
“The body uses proteins to repair tissue and build muscle after exercise.”
Another example: “Beans and lentils are excellent sources of protein for those avoiding meat.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A core term in biology, chemistry, nutrition, and fitness. Technical in scientific writing but also everyday in diet and health talk ('high in protein'). Usually used as a mass noun, but 'proteins' (plural) appears when referring to distinct molecules.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
Coined in 1838 by chemist Gerardus Mulder from Greek 'proteios' (primary, of the first rank), from 'protos' (first).
Synonyms
- polypeptide
- macromolecule
- peptide
- albumin
Related Words
- capsid
- cytoskeleton
- lipids
- actin
- chromatin
- albumin
- nucleic
- reticulum
- histone
- bind
Common Collocations
- dietary protein
- protein synthesis
- high in protein
- build muscle protein
- protein structure
- plant proteins
Word Forms
protein (n); proteins (pl)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B