ˈvaˌlēn, ˈvāˌ-, -_lə̇n noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary val- (from iso val eric acid) + -ine
: a crystalline amino acid (CH 3 ) 2 CHCH(NH 2 )COOH that in the dextrorotatory l form is essential in the nutrition of lower animals and man and that is obtained in this form by the hydrolysis of proteins (as casein or zein) and in the racemic form by synthesis; α-amino-isovaleric acid