Asparagine \As*par"a*gine\, n. [Cf. F. asparagine.] (Chem.) A white, nitrogenous, crystallizable substance, {C4H8N2O3+H2O}, found in many plants, and first obtained from asparagus. It is believed to aid in the disposition of nitrogenous matter throughout the plant; -- called also {altheine}.
asparagine n : a crystalline amino acid found in proteins and in many plants (e.g., asparagus)