adenosine triphosphate

noun

adenosine tri·​phos·​phate -trī-ˈfäs-ˌfāt 

: a nucleotide C₁₀H₁₆N₅O₁₃P₃ composed of adenosine and three phosphate groups that supplies energy for many biochemical cellular processes by undergoing enzymatic hydrolysis especially to ADP : atp

Examples of adenosine triphosphate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In particular, magnesium helps activate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule cells use as their main source of energy. — Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2026

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that helps cells regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source for cellular activity in both muscle and brain tissue, according to Cleveland Clinic. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Expensive insurance Cells run on a molecule called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which acts like a rechargeable battery. — Canan Karakoç, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026

Nitrogen is also a core component of chlorophyll, which absorbs energy from light in photosynthetic organisms, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of plants and animals. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for adenosine triphosphate

• bisphosphate
• diphosphate
• glycerophosphate
• organophosphate
• metaphosphate
• monophosphate
• orthophosphate
• polyphosphate
• pyrophosphate
• superphosphate
• phosphate

Kids Definition

adenosine triphosphate

noun

adenosine tri·​phos·​phate -trī-ˈfäs-ˌfāt 

: atp

Medical Definition

adenosine triphosphate

noun

adenosine tri·​phos·​phate -trī-ˈfäs-ˌfāt 

: atp