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

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

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.

From Science Daily

That's all about finding the right path for the body's tryptophan, Kuhn says.

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily