tryptophan

Also tryp·to·phane

[trip-tuh-fan]

noun

Biochemistry.

1. an essential amino acid, (C 8 H 6 N)CH 2 CH(NH2 )COOH, colorless, crystalline, and aromatic, released from proteins by tryptic digestion and a precursor of serotonin. Trp; W

tryptophan

/ ˈtrɪptəˌfæn /

noun

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

tryptophan

1. An essential amino acid. Chemical formula: C ₁₁ H ₁₂ N ₂ O ₂ .

2. See more at amino acid

Word History and Origins

Origin of tryptophan¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tryptophan¹

C20: from _trypt ( _ic ) + _-o + -phan variant of _-phane

Example Sentences

Both of these behavioral changes stemmed from altered tryptophan metabolism.

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The research reveals how dietary tryptophan -- an amino acid found mostly in animal products, nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes -- can be broken down by gut bacteria into small molecules called metabolites.

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Many people think of tryptophan as the ingredient in turkey that supposedly makes us sleepy after a Thanksgiving feast.

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Their method targets the amino acid tryptophan in fertilizer, which is vital for plant growth and development.

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Milk can be especially beneficial for sleep, as it contains the amino acid tryptophan, which can promote melatonin production.

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