: 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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With Allen giving fantasy football teams such an advantage over the other quarterbacks available, his ADP is very high this year, but for good reason. Steve Bradshaw, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Economists are looking for the ADP report to show 46,500 additions, according to FactSet. Kevin Stankiewicz,zev Fima, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026 Mason might top out with around 50% of the work, but being the lead and goal-line option will return RB3+ value for someone no one wants this year (barely inside the top-100 ADP after pushing the top-25 of running backs in 2025 ADP). Jake Ciely, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 One data center company, Aligned, is tearing down four high-vacancy office buildings in town, including the former ADP payroll building, to build new data center space. Alex Nitkin, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“ADP.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ADP. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

: 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

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