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

Only 22% of workers globally strongly agreed that their job was safe from being eliminated, ADP found. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 June 2026

But when looking at the overall ADP, Lamb is up at 12 while Brown is at 22. —Steve Bradshaw, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

Judge, Tarik Skubal, Elly De La Cruz, Garrett Crochet and Cal Raleigh are among the players with a composite ADP inside the top 15 who are currently sidelined on the IL. —Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 10 June 2026

That mismatch extends beyond AI, ADP’s Richardson said, noting shortages in specialty trades where retirements far outpace the inflow of new workers. —Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 4 June 2026

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