Word
protein
Phoneticspro·tein
US/ˈpɹoʊˌtin/
UK/pɹˈəʊtiːn/
Definitions
01biological molecule
n. a complex natural molecule made of amino acids that builds and repairs your body.
n. any of a class of nitrogenous organic compounds which have large molecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids.
“The scientist studied how the protein changes shape when it gets hot.”
“The researchers identified a specific protein responsible for transporting calcium across the cell membrane, which could lead to new treatments for bone diseases.”
Technical
Usage
Often used as a countable noun in scientific contexts when referring to specific types.
02nutritional category
n. one of the main parts of food that gives you energy and helps muscles grow.
n. one of the three primary macronutrients, essential for the growth and repair of body tissues.
“Athletes often eat a lot of protein to help their muscles recover after exercise.”
“Nutritionists recommend balancing your intake of protein, carbohydrates, and fats to maintain a healthy metabolic rate.”
Usage
Usually uncountable when referring to the nutrient in general.
03a type of food
n. a food that is high in protein, such as meat, fish, or tofu.
n. a specific food item or ingredient valued primarily for its high protein content.
“For dinner, we had chicken as our main protein with a side of vegetables.”
“The chef suggested that lentils serve as an excellent plant-based protein for those looking to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing nutrition.”
Real-World Examples
“But you can also get your protein from lentils, nuts, milk, tofu and cheese too.” “Fiber has long been recognized as an important part of a healthy diet, but indigestible plant proteins have received far less attention.” Etymology
From proto- + -ein. Suggested by Jöns Jacob Berzelius in a letter to Gerardus Johannes Mulder, from French protéine and German Protein, both coined based on Ancient Greek πρωτεῖος (prōteîos, “primary”), from πρῶτος (prôtos, “first”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Collocations
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/protein