tryptophan

noun

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tryp·to·phan | \ ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan

variants: or less commonly tryptophane \ ˈtrip-tə-ˌfān

Definition of tryptophan

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

Example Sentences Phrases Containing tryptophan Learn More About tryptophan

Examples of tryptophan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Since it's not promoted, there's more tryptophan available to influence someone's tiredness. — Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2021 The 152 tryptophan is substituted for leucine in the California variants. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2021 Without the ability to measure fecal coliform in real time, the Chicago River probes measure tryptophan-like fluorescence; researchers say readings spike after rain events or sewage dumps, similarly to fecal coliform levels. — Morgan Greene, chicagotribune.com, 2 Sep. 2021 Carbohydrates in berries can help to amplify serotonin production in the brain, while yogurt is a source of sleep-promoting tryptophan. — Lisa Drayer, CNN, 20 Apr. 2021 Carbohydrates in berries can help to amplify serotonin production in the brain, while yogurt is a source of sleep-promoting tryptophan. — Lisa Drayer, CNN, 20 Apr. 2021 Carbohydrates in berries can help to amplify serotonin production in the brain, while yogurt is a source of sleep-promoting tryptophan. — Lisa Drayer, CNN, 20 Apr. 2021 Carbohydrates in berries can help to amplify serotonin production in the brain, while yogurt is a source of sleep-promoting tryptophan. — Lisa Drayer, CNN, 20 Apr. 2021 Carbohydrates in berries can help to amplify serotonin production in the brain, while yogurt is a source of sleep-promoting tryptophan. — Lisa Drayer, CNN, 20 Apr. 2021 See More

These 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.