tryptophan
[ trip-tuh-fan ]
/ ˈtrɪp təˌfæn /
Save This Word!
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
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON PARENTHESES AND BRACKETS APLENTY!
Set some time apart to test your bracket symbol knowledge, and see if you can keep your parentheses, squares, curlies, and angles all straight!
Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Also tryp·to·phane [trip-tuh-feyn]. /ˈtrɪp təˌfeɪn/.
Origin of tryptophan
Words nearby tryptophan
trypophobia, trypsin, trypsinogen, tryptamine, tryptic, tryptophan, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, tryptophanase, tryptophanuria, trysail, trysail mast
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for tryptophan
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
Medical 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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for tryptophan
tryptophan
[ trĭp′tə-făn′ ]
An essential amino acid. Chemical formula: C11H12N2O2. See more at amino acid.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.