tryptophan

noun

tryp·​to·​phan ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan How to pronounce tryptophan (audio)
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 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 The holiday period is traditionally a busy time for moviegoing, but audiences aren’t turning out in force over Turkey Day, leaving the box office suffering from too much tryptophan. Brent Lang, Variety, 23 Nov. 2023 Turkey meat does indeed contain tryptophan, an amino acid that is associated with drowsiness when consumed. Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 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

Etymology

borrowed from German Tryptophan, from tryptisch tryptic + -o- -o- + -phan -phane

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tryptophan was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near tryptophan

Cite this Entry

“Tryptophan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tryptophan. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tryptophan

noun
tryp·​to·​phan ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan How to pronounce tryptophan (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce tryptophan (audio)
variants also tryptophane
: a crystalline essential amino acid C11H12N2O2 that is widely distributed in proteins
abbreviation Trp

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