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

Schlittler was drafted as the SP32 in composite ADP, but he should be treated as a top-20 starter for the rest of the season. —Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2026

Only 22% of workers globally strongly agreed that their jobs were safe from elimination in 2025, according to a recent report from ADP Research based on responses from more than 39,000 professionals worldwide. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026

The firm noted that while AI tools could cut the time and effort needed to build a payroll engine, ADP’s competitive moat includes its specialty in regulatory compliance around payroll, taxes and employee benefits, as well as the company’s enormous pool of employment data. —Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026

Data out Wednesday from ADP Research showed payrolls at US companies increased by 62,000 in March after a similar increase a month earlier. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 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