tryptophan

noun

tryp·​to·​phan ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan 

variants or less commonly tryptophane

ˈtrip-tə-ˌfān 

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

Examples of tryptophan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The feast is digested by now at our house and the tryptophan is kicking in, but the late game is too good to drowse on. —Miami Herald, 25 Nov. 2025

Additionally, chicken contains an amino acid called tryptophan. —Lauren Manaker Ms, Verywell Health, 24 Nov. 2025

Eating tryptophan-rich foods will facilitate the synthesis of melatonin and have a positive impact on your nights. —Marie Bladt, Vogue, 15 Nov. 2025

Cherries, bananas, nuts, milk, and whole grains contain melatonin, tryptophan, potassium, and magnesium. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tryptophan

• L-tryptophan

Rhymes for tryptophan

• boffin
• coffin
• offen
• often
• soften

Kids Definition

tryptophan

noun

tryp·​to·​phan ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan 

: 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 

variants also tryptophane

-ˌfān 

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

—abbreviation Trp