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 Challenger data also comes one day after ADP reported that private employer payrolls contracted by a net 32,000 jobs in November. —Steve Kopack, NBC news, 4 Dec. 2025

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC yesterday that the poor ADP numbers were due to the government shutdown and mass deportations — not tariffs. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025

As such, Wednesday ADP data is likely the next-best estimate on the labor market Federal Reserve officials will get before their policymaking meeting next week. —Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 3 Dec. 2025

In addition to the monthly reports, ADP recently started releasing separate data on a weekly basis. —Tribune News Service, Boston Herald, 3 Dec. 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