# amino

/əˈminoʊ/ (US) · /ɐmˈiːnəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/amino
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. amino acid

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Informal

a short way of saying 'amino acid', which is a small part of a protein.

For teachers: a common shorthand for an amino acid, particularly in the context of nutrition or biochemistry.

- Athletes often take aminos to help their muscles recover after a hard workout.
- The supplement contains a balanced profile of essential aminos that the body cannot produce on its own.

Usage: Often used in the plural form 'aminos' when referring to dietary supplements.

### 2. relating to an amine

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

describes a specific chemical group found in many organic molecules.

For teachers: relating to or containing the amine functional group (-NH2) within a molecule.

- The amino group is a key part of the molecule's structure.
- The chemical properties of the compound are largely determined by the presence of the amino functional group attached to the carbon chain.

## Examples

- Your body needs different amino acids to stay healthy.
- Athletes often take supplements to ensure they get enough essential amino acids for muscle recovery.
- The specific sequence of amino acids determines the unique three-dimensional structure and functional properties of every protein synthesized within the cell.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.