tryptophan

[ trip-tuh-fan ]

/ ˈtrɪp təˌfæn /

noun Biochemistry.

an essential amino acid, (C8H6N)CH2CH(NH2)COOH, colorless, crystalline, and aromatic, released from proteins by tryptic digestion and a precursor of serotonin. Abbreviation: Trp; Symbol: W

Nearby words

Also tryp·to·phane

[trip-tuh-feyn] /ˈtrɪp təˌfeɪn/.

Origin of tryptophan

1900–05; trypto- (irregular combining form representing Greek trīptós rubbed) + -phan(e)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for tryptophan

Spaghetti squash also contains specific nutrients that help convert the tryptophan in other foods you eat into serotonin.
6 Healthy Foods to Fight the Flu, Beat Stress and More|DailyBurn|February 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
So tryptophan at pretty big doses is a routine part of being a human on planet Earth.
Eat Turkey All You Want! It’s Not Going to Put You to Sleep|Kent Sepkowitz|November 22, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Probably not—the tryptophan story provides us with the perfect cover for the real reason we so love the holiday.
Eat Turkey All You Want! It’s Not Going to Put You to Sleep|Kent Sepkowitz|November 22, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The premise is this: turkey is chock-full of a soporific essential amino acid, tryptophan, one of the 22 essential amino acids.
Eat Turkey All You Want! It’s Not Going to Put You to Sleep|Kent Sepkowitz|November 22, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Kent Sepkowitz explains why the ‘the tryptophan in turkey means sleep’ trope persists, despite multiple debunkings.
Eat Turkey All You Want! It’s Not Going to Put You to Sleep|Kent Sepkowitz|November 22, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Trypsin: solution of small shreds of fresh fibrin in neutral and alkaline media, and tryptophan test.
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 2 of 2|Various
A test for the production of tryptophan was reported positive.
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 2 of 2|Various

British Dictionary definitions for tryptophan

tryptophan

/ (ˈtrɪptəˌfæn) /

noun

an essential amino acid; a component of proteins necessary for growth

Word Origin for tryptophan

C20: from trypt (ic) + -o + -phan variant of -phane

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for tryptophan

tryptophan

also tryptophane, complex amino acid, 1890, coined in German from trypto-, taken as a comb. form of tryptic "by trypsin," + Greek phainein "to appear" (see phantasm).

Medicine definitions for tryptophan

tryptophan

[ trĭp′tə-făn′ ]

n.

An essential amino acid formed from proteins during the digestive process by the action of proteolytic enzymes.

Science definitions for tryptophan

tryptophan

[ trĭp′tə-făn′ ]

An essential amino acid. Chemical formula: C11H12N2O2. See more at amino acid.