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

That data comes courtesy of payroll processor ADP and marks a steep slowdown from July’s upwardly revised 106,000, underscoring how fragile employment momentum has become halfway through 2025. —Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025

In a separate report, ADP Research said private employers added 54,000 jobs in August, a much weaker figure than analysts had expected. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

Economists also expect Thursday’s ADP private payrolls report to show a softer print for August, and jobless claims data is expected to show a slight uptick. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025

Before Friday’s jobs report, ADP will report private jobs data Thursday. —Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 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