protein

English

/ˈpɹəʊti.ɪn/, /ˈpɹoʊtiːn/

noun
Definitions
  • (biochemistry) Any of numerous large, complex naturally-produced molecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids, in which the amino acid groups are held together by peptide bonds.
  • (nutrition) One of three major classes of food or source of food energy (4 kcal/gram) abundant in animal-derived foods i.e. meat and some vegetables, such as legumes.
  • (nutrition) A food rich in protein, often a meat or meat substitute.

Etymology

Borrowed from French protéine derived from German Protein derived from Ancient Greek πρωτεῖος (primary).

Origin

Ancient Greek

πρωτεῖος

Gloss

primary

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms