tryptophan

tryp·to·phan

noun \ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan\

Definition of TRYPTOPHAN

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

Variants of TRYPTOPHAN

tryp·to·phan also tryp·to·phane \-ˌfān\

Origin of TRYPTOPHAN

International Scientific Vocabulary tryptic + -o- + -phane

First Known Use: 1890

tryp·to·phan

noun \ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of TRYPTOPHAN

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

Variants of TRYPTOPHAN

tryp·to·phan also tryp·to·phane \-ˌfān\ (audio pronunciation)

tryptophan

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

One of the essential amino acids. It is a heterocyclic compound that is found in small amounts in most proteins. It plays an important role in the growth and development of infants and in the biosynthesis of serotonin and niacin (thus, deficiency of niacin or tryptophan can cause pellagra). Its occurrence in milk has been suggested as the reason that drinking milk before bedtime helps people sleep. It is used in medicine and nutrition research, in enriched foods, and as a dietary supplement.