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

There's also the big jobs report next Friday, preceded by a raft of data including the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) and ADP employment survey, all of which will give investors a better view into the labor market. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026

The picture was a little brighter in the private sector: Employers added 41,000 jobs, more than analysts expected, according to payroll processor ADP. —Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 13 Jan. 2026

Creatine phosphate donates a phosphate group to ADP, recycling it back into ATP almost immediately. —Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 8 Jan. 2026

And a report from ADP found white-collar jobs were hit especially hard last month, including professional and business services and the information sector. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 7 Jan. 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