/ ˈprəʊtiːn; NAmE ˈproʊ-/ noun
[ C , U ] a natural substance found in meat, eggs, fish, some vegetables, etc. There are many different proteins and they are an essential part of what humans and animals eat to help them grow and stay healthy :
essential proteins and vitamins
protein deficiency
Peas, beans and lentils are a good source of vegetable protein.
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 19th cent.: from French protéine , German Protein , from Greek prōteios primary, from prōtos first.