peptide

noun

pep·​tide ˈpep-ˌtīd 

: any of various amides that are derived from two or more amino acids by combination of the amino group of one acid with the carboxyl group of another and are usually obtained by partial hydrolysis of proteins

peptidic

pep-ˈti-dik 

adjective

Examples of peptide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From that happy incident emerged the brand’s Pitera complex rich in peptides, vitamins, and minerals—responsible for hydrating and brightening the skin. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2025

Emerging evidence suggests that these tiny peptides may also act as switches. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025

There is, however, a bit of evidence that some collagen-specific peptides—short chains of amino acids—make it through the digestion process intact and show up in the bloodstream. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 11 Aug. 2025

But the peptides in the new vaccine, called lipophilic peptides, have something past treatments did not — a tail. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from peptone

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing peptide

• amyloid beta peptide
• atrial natriuretic peptide
• beta-amyloid peptide
• opioid peptide
• peptide bond
• peptide linkage

Rhymes for peptide

• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied

Kids Definition

peptide

noun

pep·​tide ˈpep-ˌtīd 

: any of various substances that are usually obtained by the partial breakdown of proteins

Medical Definition

peptide

noun

pep·​tide ˈpep-ˌtīd 

: any of various amides that are derived from two or more amino acids by combination of the amino group of one acid with the carboxyl group of another and are usually obtained by partial hydrolysis of proteins

peptidic

pep-ˈtid-ik 

adjective