tryptophan

== English == === Etymology === From German Tryptophan, from Ancient Greek φαίνω (phaínō, “to appear”). === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˈtɹɪptə(ʊ)fæn/ === Noun === tryptophan (countable and uncountable, plural tryptophans) (biochemistry) An essential amino acid with an indole side chain; present in many foods, especially chocolate, oats, banana and milk; it is essential for normal growth and development and is the precursor of serotonin and niacin; any specific form of this compound, or any derivative of it. Alternative forms: W, Trp, tryp (symbols) ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ====