tryptophan

noun

tryp·​to·​phan ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan 

variants or less commonly tryptophane

ˈtrip-tə-ˌfān 

: a crystalline essential amino acid C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂ that is widely distributed in proteins

Examples of tryptophan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pumpkin seeds may be a natural mood balancer thanks to tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2024

This combination provides fiber, calcium, and tryptophan, while the cinnamon adds a touch of warming spice. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024

Adding a drizzle of honey provides a small portion of carbs and can actually increase tryptophan's impact on the brain. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 30 Sep. 2024

Turkey Sandwich Lean turkey meat is naturally high in protein, especially tryptophan. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Tryptophan, from tryptisch tryptic + -o- -o- + -phan -phane

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tryptophan

• L-tryptophan

Kids Definition

tryptophan

noun

tryp·​to·​phan ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan 

: an amino acid that is found in many proteins and is necessary for life but cannot be manufactured by the human body and must be obtained in food

Medical Definition

tryptophan

noun

tryp·​to·​phan ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan 

variants also tryptophane

-ˌfān 

: a crystalline essential amino acid C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂ that is widely distributed in proteins

—abbreviation Trp