tryptophan

noun

tryp·​to·​phan ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan 

variants or less commonly tryptophane

ˈtrip-tə-ˌfān 

: a crystalline essential amino acid C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂ that is widely distributed in proteins

Examples of tryptophan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Two medications used to treat tuberculosis, isoniazid and pyrazinamide, are known to interfere with how your body converts some tryptophan to niacin. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024

And tryptophan is an amino acid that supports the production of melatonin. —Perri Ormont Blumberg, TIME, 25 July 2024

For example, tryptophan is precursor to serotonin, the body’s feel-good chemical. —Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 9 Aug. 2024

Brown rice Legumes Peanuts Your body can convert small amounts of tryptophan to niacin, so eating more tryptophan-rich foods may help treat niacin deficiency. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Tryptophan, from tryptisch tryptic + -o- -o- + -phan -phane

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tryptophan

• L-tryptophan

Kids Definition

tryptophan

noun

tryp·​to·​phan ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan 

: an amino acid that is found in many proteins and is necessary for life but cannot be manufactured by the human body and must be obtained in food

Medical Definition

tryptophan

noun

tryp·​to·​phan ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan 

variants also tryptophane

-ˌfān 

: a crystalline essential amino acid C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂ that is widely distributed in proteins

—abbreviation Trp