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protein

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The definition of a protein is a substance that has amino acids, compounds and carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sometimes sulfur and is found in many foods.

(noun)

An example of a protein is the type of nutrient found in meats.

See protein in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

any of a large class of complex polymers consisting of long chains of polypeptides often bonded with nucleic acids, lipids, etc.: proteins are found in all cells, are essential to the diet of animals, are the basic components of cartilage, hair, skin, etc., and often function as enzymes, hormones, or antibodies

Origin: Ger < Fr protéine < Gr prōteios, prime, chief < prōtos, first (see proto-): from being a chief constituent of plant and animal bodies

See protein in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Any of a group of complex organic macromolecules that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur and are composed of one or more chains of amino acids. Proteins are fundamental components of all living cells and include many substances, such as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, that are necessary for the proper functioning of an organism. They are essential in the diet of animals for the growth and repair of tissue and can be obtained from foods such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, and legumes.

Origin:

Origin: French protéine

Origin: , from Late Greek prōteios, of the first quality

Origin: , from Greek prōtos, first; see per¹ in Indo-European roots

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