Main Entry: tryp·to·phan

Pronunciation: \ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan\

Variant(s): also tryp·to·phane \-ˌfān\

Function: noun

Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary tryptic + -o- + -phane

Date: 1890

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