: 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
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Powell has since asked ADP to restore the arrangement, according to The American Prospect. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025 And the Fed might have even less access to private employment data this time around, after payroll software provider ADP ended its data-sharing agreement with the Fed in August, according to The American Prospect. Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025 Just this month, ADP reported that the US private sector lost 32,000 jobs in September, a clear indication that hiring momentum is cooling and competition is intensifying. PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 2025 The report used data from the largest payroll provider in the United States, ADP, to gain up-to-date employment and earning data for millions of workers. IEEE Spectrum, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ADP

Word History

Etymology

adenosine diphosphate

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ADP was in 1942

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Cite this Entry

“ADP.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ADP. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

ADP

noun
ˌā-ˌdē-ˈpē How to pronounce ADP (audio)
ā-ˈdē-ˌpē
: a compound formed in living cells that reacts to form ATP

Medical Definition

: 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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