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
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Also tryp·to·phane [trip-tuh-feyn] /ˈtrɪp təˌfeɪn/.
Origin of tryptophan
1900–05; trypto- (irregular combining form representing Greek trīptós rubbed) + -phan(e)
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. 2020
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
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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.