adenylate

noun

ade·​nyl·​ate ə-ˈde-nə-lət How to pronounce adenylate (audio)
-ˌlāt;
ˌa-də-ˈni-lət,
-ˌlāt
: a salt of adenylic acid
The catalytic activity involves the specific recognition of three substrates: the amino acid and ATP for the formation of an intermediate adenylate, and the tRNA for the final step of aminoacylation in which the amino acid is attached to the ribose of the terminal adenine.M. Ruff et al., Science, 21 June 1991

Word History

Etymology

adenyl(ic acid) + -ate entry 1

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adenylate was in 1925

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near adenylate

Cite this Entry

“Adenylate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adenylate. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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