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tryptophan

Syllabification: (tryp·to·phan)

Pronunciation: /ˈtriptəˌfan/

Definition of tryptophan

noun

Biochemistry

an amino acid that is a constituent of most proteins. It is an essential nutrient in the diet of vertebrates.
- An indole derivative; chemical formula: C₈H₆NCH₂CH(NH₂)COOH