Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “tryptophan” come from?

Tryptophan derives from German Tryptophan, which combines Greek φαίνω (to show, appear) with Ancient Greek roots ultimately traceable to Proto-Indo-European bʰeh₂- (to shine, appear).

tryptophan (English): An essential amino acid having an indole side...

Definitions

  1. An essential amino acid having an indole side...

Ancestry of “tryptophan”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1GermanTryptophantryptophan
2Ancient GreekφαίνωI cause to appear, bring to light; I show,...
3English-typeimpressed form; stamp; print; typical form; Used...
4Ancient GreekτύποςA blow, pressing; The results of a blow: mark,...
5Ancient Greekτύπτωto beat, strike, smite; to beat, strike oneself
6Proto-Indo-European(s)tewp-to push, to stick
7Proto-Indo-European(s)tew-to push, to hit

Words derived from “tryptophan”

  • hydroxytryptophan
  • tryptophanase
  • tryptophanyl
  • tryptophyl
  • tryptophanate
  • tryptophanylation
Every word from Proto-Indo-European (s)tew- →