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 researchers used data from the largest payroll provider in the United States, Automatic Data Processing (ADP), to gain up-to-date employment and earning data for millions of workers across industries, locations, and age groups. —Gwendolyn Rak, IEEE Spectrum, 24 Sep. 2025

With all players in the HR/HCM space aiming to demonstrate completeness of vision with descriptions of their extensive data model, others include UKG, ADP (with its Workforce Now product), then there’s Paycom (which, no surprise, champions payroll technology) and Paylocity. —Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025

Private employers added just 54,000 jobs in August, indicating a slowdown in the hiring market, according to ADP data released Thursday morning. —Tobias Burns, The Hill, 5 Sep. 2025

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

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