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

Cherries, bananas, nuts, milk, and whole grains contain sleep-promoting nutrients like melatonin, tryptophan, potassium, and magnesium, which are also ideal for nighttime snacking.3 1. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Nov. 2024

The body uses tryptophan to help make melatonin and serotonin. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024

Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, contain tryptophan and isoflavones, which have mild estrogen-like effects. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024

Pumpkin seeds may be a natural mood balancer thanks to tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 18 Oct. 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