Ornithine definition
An amino acid, C5 H12 N2 O2 , not found in proteins, formed by hydrolyzing arginine and important in the formation of urea.
noun
A nonessential amino acid, NH2(CH2)3CH(NH2)COOH, found in animals as a product of urea formation from proteins and in the excrement of birds.
noun
An amino acid, C5 H12 N2 O2 , not found in proteins, formed by hydrolyzing arginine and important in the formation of urea.
noun
An amino acid not found in proteins, formed by hydrolyzing arginine and important in the formation of urea. Chemical formula: C5H12N2O2.
(biochemistry, organic chemistry) An amino acid, 2,5-diaminopentanoic acid, that is not present in protein, but is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of urea.
noun
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Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
ornithine
Plural:
ornithinesOrigin of ornithine
- ornith(uric acid) an acid found in birds' urine (ornith(o)–) (uric acid) –ine
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition