Protein Definition, Examples & Key Food Sources

Meaning 1：protein (protein)

protein 🔊

/ˈproʊtiːn/

A substance found in food like meat and beans that helps your body grow, repair itself, and stay strong.

protein 🔊

➕

/ˈproʊtiːn/

A macronutrient composed of amino acids, essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：beginner

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'protos' (first) and chemical suffix '-in', meaning 'primary substance'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'pro' meaning for, and 'tein' like 'teen' - protein helps teens grow.

📖 Example

After my workout, I ate a protein bar to help my muscles recover. 🔊 After my workout, I ate a protein bar to help my muscles recover.

🔗 Collocations

high-protein diet – a diet rich in protein, often for muscle building or weight management

protein shake – a drink made by mixing protein powder with liquid, consumed after exercise

protein source – a food that provides protein, such as meat, eggs, or legumes

🔄 Synonyms

nutrient (n.) – a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and life

building block (n.) – a basic component, especially of body tissues

macronutrient (n.) – a type of food (e.g., protein, fat, carbohydrate) required in large amounts

🌱 Derivatives

protease (n.) – an enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids

proteinaceous (adj.) – consisting of or containing protein

proteomic (adj.) – relating to the study of the entire set of proteins in an organism

📖 Cultural Story

Coined in 1838 by Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius from Greek protos, as proteins were considered the primary component of living matter.