polypeptide

noun

poly·​pep·​tide ˌpä-lē-ˈpep-ˌtīd How to pronounce polypeptide (audio)
: a molecular chain of amino acids
polypeptidic adjective

Examples of polypeptide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Almost all of the increase and almost all of the total was due to an increase in polypeptides, which are used to make insulin. Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 The hero ingredient is vegan collagen and elastin polypeptides, plus two types of hyaluronic acid for major hydration and niacinamide for a healthy skin barrier. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 Within a fraction of a second of its creation, a polypeptide string bends, buckles and folds precisely into the protein’s final three-dimensional shape. Quanta Magazine, 26 June 2024 This powerful polypeptide helps add hydration to your skin while also working to firm and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Savannah Smith, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for polypeptide

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polypeptide was in 1903

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Cite this Entry

“Polypeptide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polypeptide. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

polypeptide

noun
poly·​pep·​tide ˌpäl-i-ˈpep-ˌtīd How to pronounce polypeptide (audio)
: a molecular chain of amino acids
polypeptidic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on polypeptide

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