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proteina

protein

noun proh-teh-EE-nah Rare
Food & Drink Ingredients

Origin: From German Protein, coined from Greek prōteios (primary), from prōtos (first).

Usage Note

Proteina is nearly always used in the plural (le proteine) when referring to protein as a nutrient category (cibi ricchi di proteine — 'protein-rich foods'). The singular is used when referring to a specific protein molecule in biochemistry. It is a feminine noun despite ending in -a, which is typical for Italian.

Examples

"I legumi sono una buona fonte di proteine."

Natural Translation

Legumes are a good source of protein.

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