tryptophan

American  

[trip-tuh-fan] / ˈtrɪp təˌfæn /

Also tryptophane

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

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tryptophan British  

/ ˈtrɪptəˌfæn /

noun

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

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tryptophan Scientific  

/ trĭp′tə-făn′ /

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

2. See more at amino acid

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Etymology

Origin of tryptophan

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

Example Sentences

It is produced by beneficial gut bacteria when they break down tryptophan, an amino acid found in foods like turkey and nuts.

From Science Daily

Scientists have repeatedly observed disruptions in how tryptophan is processed in aging brains, with even stronger effects seen in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.

From Science Daily

The nutrients are involved in converting tryptophan into the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Partly because I was exhausted from the tryptophan I had ingested with my turkey the day before and could not get out of bed.

From The Wall Street Journal

Both of these behavioral changes stemmed from altered tryptophan metabolism.

From Science Daily