Chem. [f. AL(DEHYDE), whence obtained by Strecker in 1849, + -INE; the -an- is a ‘euphonic’ insertion. (H. Roscoe.)]
1. The ‘acid’ monamide C3H7NO2 = CH3—CH(NH2)—CO(OH), derived from Lactic acid by replacement of the alcoholic hydroxyl by NH2, called also Lactamic and α-Amidopropionic acid; an organic base isomeric with lactamide, acting also in certain combinations as an acid.
1863–79. Watts, Dict. Chem., I. 63. Alanine crystallises … in colourless needles having the form of oblique rhombic prisms united in tufts. The aqueous solution has a sweet taste.
2. Extended (in pl.) to the group of acid amides (amic or amidic acids), of which the preceding substance is taken as the type, derived as above from the diatomic monobasic acids, or ‘lactic series.’
1877. Watts, Fownes’ Chem., 38. These amic acids … form saline compounds both with acids and with bases, the basic character, however, predominating. Hence, they are often designated by names ending in -ine, the ordinary termination for organic bases, glycollamic acid being designated as glycocine, lactamic acid as alanine, leucamic acid as leucine, etc. They are also designated, as a group, by the name Alanines.
