Leu"cin (?), n. [Gr. white.] Physiol. Chem.
A white, crystalline, nitrogenous substance formed in the decomposition of albuminous matter by pancreatic digestion, by the action of boiling dilute sulphuric acid, and by putrefaction. It is also found as a constituent of various tissues and organs, as the spleen, pancreas, etc., and likewise in the vegetable kingdom. Chemically it is to be considered as amido-caproic acid.
<-- now called "leucine", one of the essential amino acids (not synthesized by the human body, required component for proper nutrition). (CH3)2CH.CH2.CH(NH2)-COOH. L-leucine, the natural form, is present in most proteins. -->
© Webster 1913.