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tryptophan

/ˈtɹɪptə(ʊ)fan/

Meanings
noun
An essential amino acid having an indole side chain; it is present in many foods, especially chocolate, oats, bananas 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.

Examples :

"Eating a banana before bed can help you relax because bananas contain tryptophan, which the body uses to produce calming hormones. "
compound medicine substance food physiology biochemistry biology chemistry science body

Related Words

Illustration hormones

hormones noun

/ˈhɔrmoʊnz/ /ˈhɔrmənz/

Any substance produced by one tissue and conveyed by the bloodstream to another to effect physiological activity.

"During puberty, teenagers experience many physical and emotional changes because their bodies are producing more hormones. "

Illustration compound

compound noun

/ˈkɒmpaʊnd/ /ˈkɑmpaʊnd/ /kəmˈpaʊnd/

An enclosure within which workers, prisoners, or soldiers are confined

"The prisoners were kept in a secure compound. "

Illustration development

development noun

/dɪˈvɛləpmənt/

The process of developing; growth, directed change.

"The development of this story has been slow."

Illustration precursor

precursor noun

/pɹɨˈkɜɹ.səɹ/

That which precurses: a forerunner, predecessor, or indicator of approaching events.

"The new math curriculum was a precursor to significant changes in the school's overall approach to learning. "

Illustration especially

especially adverb

/əˈspɛʃ(ə)li/

(manner) In a special manner; specially.

"My sister is very helpful, especially when it comes to organizing things. "

Illustration essential

essential noun

/ɪˈsɛn.ʃəl/

A necessary ingredient.

"Salt is an essential for cooking a good soup. "

Illustration chocolate

chocolate noun

/ˈt͡ʃɔk(ə)lət/ /ˈt͡ʃɑk(ə)lɪt/ /t͡ʃɔk(ə)lət/ /ˈt͡ʃɔk(ə)lɪt/

A food made from ground roasted cocoa beans.

"Chocolate is a very popular treat."

Illustration derivative

derivative noun

/dɪˈɹɪvətɪv/

Something derived.

"This musical piece is a derivative of a popular folk song. "

Illustration specific

specific noun

/spəˈsɪf.ɪk/

A distinguishing attribute or quality.

"The specific of her success was her dedication to studying. "

Illustration present

present noun

/pɹəˈzɛnt/ /ˈpɹɛzənt/ /pɹɪˈzɛnt/

The current moment or period of time.

"In the present, my focus is on finishing this project for work. "

Illustration serotonin

serotonin noun

/ˌsɛɹəˈtəʊnɪn/ /ˌsɛɹəˈtoʊnɪn/

An indoleamine neurotransmitter, 5-hydroxytryptamine, that is involved in depression, appetite, etc., and is crucial in maintaining a sense of well-being, security, etc.

"Exercise and spending time in nature can boost serotonin levels, leading to improved mood and a greater sense of well-being. "

Illustration bananas

bananas noun

/bəˈnɑːnəz/ /bəˈnænəz/

An elongated curved tropical fruit that grows in bunches and has a creamy flesh and a smooth skin.

"I packed bananas in my lunchbox for a healthy snack. "