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

Sleep and mood hormones: Magnesium helps convert the hormone tryptophan into melatonin and serotonin, two hormones that help with sleep and mood. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 9 Mar. 2025

May support relaxation: Certain foods, such as those rich in tryptophan or magnesium, may promote the production of the hormone melatonin and the neurotransmitter serotonin, helping with relaxation and sleep quality. —Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025

Almost 95 percent of our serotonin is produced in the intestines, and eating foods high in tryptophan boosts serotonin levels. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 15 Feb. 2025

Oysters not only contain tryptophan but also bucketloads of zinc, which has been shown to significantly lower depression symptoms. —Daisy Jones, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for tryptophan

• boffin
• coffin
• offen
• often
• soften

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