: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hiring patterns also are changing, said Nela Richardson, ADP’s chief economist. Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 Where the trades sit in the wage race When ADP looked at millions of paychecks, the trades industry kept coming out on top for job‑switchers. Jason St. Angelo, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 Just 44,000 positions, well below expectations of 75,000, according to ADP, even as business and new orders surprisingly rose. Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Private payrolls expanded by less than expected last month, according ADP data released yesterday. Alex Harring, CNBC, 6 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 12 Aug. 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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster