ADP

noun

ˌā-(ˌ)dē-ˈpē 

: a nucleotide C₁₀H₁₅N₅O₁₀P₂ composed of adenosine and two phosphate groups that is formed in living cells as an intermediate between ATP and AMP and that is reversibly converted to ATP for the storing of energy by the addition of a high-energy phosphate group

called also adenosine diphosphate

Examples of ADP in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The report used data from the largest payroll provider in the United States, ADP, to gain up-to-date employment and earning data for millions of workers. —IEEE Spectrum, 9 Oct. 2025

Last week, payrolls processor ADP released a report that also showed a significant jobs-market slowdown. —Rob Wile, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2025

Last week, payrolls processing firm ADP reported a loss of 32,000 jobs in the private sector. —Ian Thomas, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2025

On Sunday, Moody’s Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi warned there was essentially no job growth in September, citing data from Revelio Labs and ADP. —Danny Bakst, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

adenosine diphosphate

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ADP

noun

ˌā-ˌdē-ˈpē 

ā-ˈdē-ˌpē

: a compound formed in living cells that reacts to form ATP

Medical Definition

ADP

noun

ˌā-ˌdē-ˈpē  ā-ˈdē-ˌpē 

: a nucleotide C₁₀H₁₅N₅O₁₀P₂ composed of adenosine and two phosphate groups that is formed in living cells as an intermediate between ATP and AMP and that is reversibly converted to ATP for the storing of energy by the addition of a high-energy phosphate group

called also adenosine diphosphate