4 definitions found for tryptophan

tryptophan n 1: an amino acid that occurs in proteins; is essential for growth and normal metabolism; a precursor of niacin [syn: tryptophan, tryptophane]

tryptophan also tryptophane noun Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary tryptic + -o- + -phane Date: 1890 a crystalline essential amino acid C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂ that is widely distributed in proteins

tryptophan
n. Biochem. an amino acid essential in the diet of vertebrates.
Etymology: as TRYPSIN + -phan f. Gk phaino appear

tryptophan n. Biochem. an amino acid essential in the diet of vertebrates. [as TRYPSIN + -phan f. Gk phaino appear]