: a phosphorylated nucleotide C10H16N5O13P3 composed of adenosine and three phosphate groups that supplies energy for many biochemical cellular processes by undergoing enzymatic hydrolysis especially to ADP

called also adenosine triphosphate

Word History

Etymology

adenosine triphosphate

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ATP was in 1939

Dictionary Entries Near ATP

Cite this Entry

“ATP.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ATP. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ATP

noun
ˌā-ˌtē-ˈpē How to pronounce ATP (audio)
ā-ˈtē-ˌpē
: a compound that occurs widely in living tissue and serves as a major source of energy for many cellular processes

Medical Definition

: a phosphorylated nucleotide C10H16N5O13P3 composed of adenosine and three phosphate groups that supplies energy for many biochemical cellular processes by undergoing enzymatic hydrolysis especially to ADP

called also adenosine triphosphate

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