rhizoverbBeta
DictionarytryptophanEssential amino acid
noun

tryptophan

TRIP-tuh-fan/ˈtrɪptəˌfæn/

An amino acid needed from food to build proteins and make substances that help regulate mood and sleep.

Eggs, tofu, and pumpkin seeds supply tryptophan for the body's needs.

A chemically specific depiction of tryptophan paired with recognizable protein-rich foods: one large, accurate skeletal molecular structure above a small still life of egg, tofu, and pumpkin seeds.
Etymology
tryptoGermanby trypsin
+phanGreekto bring to light, show

The name pairs “by trypsin” with “bring to light,” suggesting an amino acid revealed by the action of trypsin, a digestive enzyme.

In context

Libertarianism.org38:19
tryptophan is a natural product it's in found in milk and it has therapeutic or nutritional uses
Natural Law Origins of the Common Law (Kevin Bjornson) - The Turney Collection - Libertarianism.org

More examples

  • Eggs, milk, and beans all provide tryptophan.
  • The body uses tryptophan to make serotonin, which helps regulate mood.
  • Tryptophan also helps the body produce melatonin, a hormone involved in sleep.