adenosine triphosphate

noun

adenosine tri·​phos·​phate -trī-ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce adenosine triphosphate (audio)
: a nucleotide C10H16N5O13P3 composed of adenosine and three phosphate groups that supplies energy for many biochemical cellular processes by undergoing enzymatic hydrolysis especially to ADP : atp

Examples of adenosine triphosphate in a Sentence

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Modern organisms use metabolic energy (for example, via burning a candy bar’s sugary calories) to make the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a universal energy store in the biosphere that is derived from phosphates. — Philip Ball, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026 Both human and animal studies found the chemicals damage the ability of mitochondria to make adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 These organelles make adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of life, through a cascade of chemical reactions that breaks down glucose and fat from food. — Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026 Creatine Improves Energy Supply in the Brain Creatine is a molecule that helps the body recycle adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the key source of energy for cells throughout the body. — Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for adenosine triphosphate

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adenosine triphosphate was in 1932

Rhymes for adenosine triphosphate

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Browse Nearby Words

adenosine triphosphatase
adenosine triphosphate
Adenostoma
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Cite this Entry

“Adenosine triphosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adenosine%20triphosphate. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

adenosine triphosphate

noun
adenosine tri·​phos·​phate -trī-ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce adenosine triphosphate (audio)
: atp

Medical Definition

adenosine triphosphate

noun
adenosine tri·​phos·​phate -trī-ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce adenosine triphosphate (audio)
: atp

More from Merriam-Webster on adenosine triphosphate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about adenosine triphosphate

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