an essential amino acid, (CH)CHCHCH(NH)COOH, produced by the hydrolysis of proteins by pancreatic enzymes during digestion and by the putrefaction of nitrogenous organic matter
Origin:
< Gr leukos, white (see light) + -ine
See leucine in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
An essential amino acid, C4H9CH(NH2)COOH, obtained by the hydrolysis of protein by pancreatic enzymes during digestion and necessary for optimal growth in infants and children and for the maintenance of nitrogen balance in adults.