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Tryptophan Meaning in English

word

ˈtɹɪptə(ʊ)fan
TRIP-tuh-fan
tɹˈɪptɒfən
trip-TOF-uhn

Definition

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid found in food that your body needs to make proteins and important chemicals like serotonin.

Usage & Nuances

Technical and medical term, mainly used in biology, nutrition, or health contexts. Commonly discussed in relation to sleep, mood, and diet. Sometimes mentioned when talking about turkey or foods believed to make people sleepy.

Example Sentences

Turkey is rich in tryptophan.

basic

Your body needs tryptophan to make serotonin.

basic

Eggs and cheese also contain tryptophan.

basic

People say tryptophan in turkey makes you sleepy, but that's just a myth.

natural

I started eating more foods high in tryptophan to help my mood.

natural

Did you know chocolate has tryptophan too?

natural