tryptophan
noun
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Definition of tryptophan
: a crystalline essential amino acid C11H12N2O2 that is widely distributed in proteins
Examples of tryptophan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Soy and coconut aminos include building blocks like tryptophan and arginine that are essential to the formation of muscles and that supposedly remove toxins from our bodies. — Kyle Beechey, Bon Appetit, "The Mysterious Hippie Food Brand That's Never Let Me Down," 27 June 2018 The tart treats, which contain calming tryptophan and melatonin, also reduced participants' anxiety levels. — Tori Rodriguez, Woman's Day, "10 Ways to Use Your Senses to Beat Stress," 20 May 2016 Without niacin, the body cannot produce tryptophan, an essential amino acid. — Ben Crair, Smithsonian, "Why Are These Hamsters Cannibalizing Their Young?," 21 Feb. 2018 As Mike McRae points out for Science Alert, a 1968 paper investigating psilocybin’s biosynthesis theorized that the process began with a molecule of tryptophan, an essential amino acid. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Scientists Unlock Magic Mushrooms’ Mysterious Chemical Compound," 18 Aug. 2017 As Mike McRae points out for Science Alert, a 1968 paper investigating psilocybin’s biosynthesis theorized that the process began with a molecule of tryptophan, an essential amino acid. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Scientists Unlock Magic Mushrooms’ Mysterious Chemical Compound," 18 Aug. 2017 As Mike McRae points out for Science Alert, a 1968 paper investigating psilocybin’s biosynthesis theorized that the process began with a molecule of tryptophan, an essential amino acid. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Scientists Unlock Magic Mushrooms’ Mysterious Chemical Compound," 18 Aug. 2017 All of these signs point to a deficiency in vitamin B3 and tryptophan (a B3 precursor), the researchers write. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Diet Deficiency Can Lead to Cannibal Hamsters," 2 Feb. 2017 Calcium found in dairy products will help the brain use the tryptophan found in dairy to help make sleep-inducing melatonin. — Emily Price, Fortune, "Sonic’s Stock Plunges After Credit Card Hack That Could Affect Millions," 28 Sep. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tryptophan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for tryptophan
tryptophan
noun
\
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Medical Definition of tryptophan
: a crystalline essential amino acid C11H12N2O2 that is widely distributed in proteins —abbreviation Trp
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