protein

Meaning

Noun

• 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.
• One of three major classes of food or source of food energy (4 kcal/gram) abundant in animal-derived foods and some vegetables, such as legumes.
• A food rich in protein, often a meat or meat substitute.

Origin

• Suggested by Berzelius in a letter to Mulder, from French protéine and German Protein, both coined based on Ancient Greek πρωτεῖος ("primary"), from πρῶτος.