Amin

/əˈmɪn/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound derived from ammonia by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with organic groups; important in amino acids and proteins.

Etymology

From ammonia plus the suffix '-ine' or '-in,' shortened in chemistry to 'amin.' The term emerged in 19th century chemistry to describe compounds related to ammonia.

Kelly Says

Amines are everywhere in your body—they're in amino acids that build muscles, in dopamine that makes you happy, and even in the smell of rotting fish, which happens because bacteria create amines as they break down protein.

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