ADP

noun

ˌā-(ˌ)dē-ˈpē 

: 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

Typically looked at for clues about what the official government jobs report will say a few days later, the ADP report for May is expected to show 112,000 jobs were added in the month, according to Dow Jones. —Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 1 June 2025

Economic data hits early, with the ADP private payrolls report for May landing around 8:15 a.m. —Catherine Baab, Quartz, 1 June 2025

According to a 2024 study by ADP Research, 46% of the youngest employees, especially Gen-Z, would rather be unemployed than unhappy at work. —Andrei Cretu, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

There tend to be discrepancies between reports by ADP and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but weakness elsewhere — evident from Thursday’s ISM manufacturing data — suggests a rough patch ahead. —Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 2 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

adenosine diphosphate

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ADP

noun

ˌā-ˌdē-ˈpē 

ā-ˈdē-ˌpē

: a compound formed in living cells that reacts to form ATP

Medical Definition

ADP

noun

ˌā-ˌdē-ˈpē  ā-ˈdē-ˌpē 

: 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