tryptophan
[ trip-tuh-fan ]
/ ˈtrɪp təˌfæn /
noun Biochemistry.
an essential amino acid, (C8H6N)CH2CH(NH2)COOH, colorless, crystalline, and aromatic, released from proteins by tryptic digestion and a precursor of serotonin. Abbreviation: Trp; Symbol: W
Also
tryp·to·phane
[trip-tuh-feyn] /ˈtrɪp təˌfeɪn/.
Origin of tryptophan
1900–05;
trypto- (irregular combining form representing Greek
trīptós rubbed) +
-phan(e)
Words nearby tryptophan
trypophobia,
trypsin,
trypsinogen,
tryptamine,
tryptic,
tryptophan,
tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase,
tryptophanase,
tryptophanuria,
trysail,
trysail mast
Example sentences from the Web for tryptophan
British Dictionary definitions for tryptophan
tryptophan
/ (ˈtrɪptəˌfæn) /
noun
an essential amino acid; a component of proteins necessary for growth
Word Origin for tryptophan
C20: from
trypt (
ic) +
-o +
-phan variant of
-phane
Medical definitions for tryptophan
tryptophan
[ trĭp′tə-făn′ ]
n.
An essential amino acid formed from proteins during the digestive process by the action of proteolytic enzymes.
Scientific definitions for tryptophan
tryptophan
[ trĭp′tə-făn′ ]
An essential amino acid. Chemical formula: C11H12N2O2. See more at amino acid.