Chem. Also leucine. [f. Gr. λευκ-ός white + -IN.] A white crystalline substance, known also as amido-caproic acid (C6H13NO2), one of the principal products of the decomposition of nitrogenous matter.
1826. Henry, Elem. Chem., II. 395. A peculiar white matter, called by Braconnot leucine.
1847–9. Todd, Cycl. Anat., IV. 164/2. Leucin … is a crystalline substance closely resembling cholesterine in appearance.
1885. Remsen, Org. Chem. (1888), 194. Leucine is found very widely distributed in the animal kingdom, as in the spleen, pancreas, and brain.
attrib. 1896. Allbutt’s Syst. Med., I. 177. Microscopic examination … might shew … leucin balls.
