serine
UK[ˈsɛriːn]US[ˈsɛriːn]
n
a crystalline amino acid that is a constituent of most proteins.
Etymology
the term "serine" was coined in the late 19th century by german chemist emil cramer, who first isolated it from silk protein. its name is derived from the latin word sericum, meaning "silk," which itself originates from the greek sērikon, a term for silk that is linked to the sēres, the ancient greek name for the people of east asia from whom silk was obtained. the suffix "-ine," commonly used in chemistry, denotes a derived substance. thus, the etymology directly reflects the word's origin, moving from the ancient name for a luxurious material to the specific biochemical compound extracted from it.
Analysis
the word "serine" is a simplex form. it is a modern scientific coinage derived from the source material "silk" (latin: sericum, greek: sērikon), with the chemical suffix "-ine" used to denote a substance, particularly an amino acid or alkaloid.
Examples
serine is a non-essential amino acid synthesized by the human body.
the enzyme's active site contains a critical serine residue.
soybeans are a good dietary source of serine.