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tryptophan
noun
tryp·to·phan
ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan
variants
or less commonly tryptophane
: a crystalline essential amino acid C11H12N2O2 that is widely distributed in proteins
Examples of tryptophan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Corn, for example — considered a dietary staple by many people — is missing the essential amino acids tryptophan, lysine and threonine.
—Ascend Agency, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2024
Some evidence suggests that the drowsiness occurs because of a compound called tryptophan.
—Cat Lafuente, Health, 29 Mar. 2024
Fiber-rich foods like beans and oatmeal and certain protein sources – especially those that are high in the amino acid tryptophan, such as poultry – are also associated with higher-quality sleep.
—Erica Jansen, Discover Magazine, 19 Jan. 2024
However, tryptophan is found in lots of foods, and some of them — milk and tuna fish, for example — contain more tryptophan than the average serving of turkey.
—Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2023
Together, the researchers theorize that inflammation from interferons gets in the way of tryptophan absorption, which in turn reduces serotonin levels.
—Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2023
Your body uses tryptophan to make the mood-elevating hormone serotonin.1516 Taking tryptophan supplements may also benefit people with depression.
—Karen Pallarito, Health, 19 June 2023
The researchers show in the paper that the device can resolve the distinct fluorescent UV signatures of the cancer-indicating proteins and amino acids tyrosine, elastin, tryptophan, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH).
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 Nov. 2023
Interferons cause inflammation that reduces the body’s ability to absorb tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin in the gut.
—Pam Belluck, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tryptophan.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1890, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing tryptophan
Dictionary Entries Near tryptophan
Cite this Entry
“Tryptophan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tryptophan. Accessed 12 Jun. 2024.
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
: a crystalline essential amino acid C11H12N2O2 that is widely distributed in proteins
—abbreviation Trp
More from Merriam-Webster on tryptophan
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tryptophan
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