protein

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable or uncountable

   A nutrient found in foods like meat, eggs, and beans that the body uses to build and repair tissue.

   Grammar: Can be uncountable (protein is important) or countable when talking about types (different proteins).

   Patterns

   • high in protein
   • a source of protein
   • protein intake

   Athletes often eat more protein to help their muscles recover.

   Beans and lentils are a good source of protein for vegetarians.

   This cereal bar contains 20 grams of protein.

2. 2nouncountablebiologychemistry

   Any of many large molecules made of amino acids that do specific jobs in living cells.

   Grammar: In biology, proteins are individual molecules; use the plural when talking about several types.

   Patterns

   • a protein molecule
   • proteins fold
   • a protein that binds to something

   Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen in the blood.

   Scientists study how proteins fold into complex shapes.

   Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body.

Word forms

Common combinations

high in protein

Greek yogurt is high in protein.

source of protein

Fish is an excellent source of protein.

protein shake

He drinks a protein shake after every workout.

protein synthesis

Protein synthesis is the process cells use to make new proteins.

animal protein

Some people avoid animal protein and eat only plants.

Synonyms and how they differ

nutrient

Nutrient is a general word for any substance that feeds the body; protein is one specific type of nutrient.

Word family

proteinaceous adjective

Made of or containing protein.

proteinous adjective

Another word for proteinaceous; less common.

Commonly confused: protein or protean?

Practice

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