Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
Español

heterocyclic amine

(HEH-teh-roh-SY-klik A-meen)
A chemical that is formed when meat, poultry, or fish is cooked at high temperatures, such as frying, broiling, and barbecuing. Heterocyclic amines are carcinogens (substances that may cause cancer). Also called HCA.
Search NCI's Dictionary of Cancer Terms