peptide

noun

pep·​tide ˈpep-ˌtīd How to pronounce peptide (audio)
: any of various amides that are derived from two or more amino acids by combination of the amino group of one acid with the carboxyl group of another and are usually obtained by partial hydrolysis of proteins
peptidic adjective

Examples of peptide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For example, the brand had to reissue and had to rebrand its peptide lip treatment after customers complained about the texture. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025 People with type 1 diabetes may also get aid from the new glucagonlike peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drugs, such as Ozempic. Liz Szabo, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025 The first test paired the nanoparticle system with melanoma peptides called an antigen, which triggers an immune response. Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 Say, more traditional prescriptions with over-the-counter supplements, as well as more experimental treatments like exosomes and peptides. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peptide

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from peptone

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peptide was in 1906

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Cite this Entry

“Peptide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peptide. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

peptide

noun
pep·​tide ˈpep-ˌtīd How to pronounce peptide (audio)
: any of various substances that are usually obtained by the partial breakdown of proteins

Medical Definition

peptide

noun
pep·​tide ˈpep-ˌtīd How to pronounce peptide (audio)
: any of various amides that are derived from two or more amino acids by combination of the amino group of one acid with the carboxyl group of another and are usually obtained by partial hydrolysis of proteins
peptidic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on peptide

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