ADP

American  

[ey-dee-pee] / ˈeɪˈdiˈpi /

abbreviation

1. Also called adenosine diphosphoric acid.  Biochemistry. adenosine diphosphate: an ester of adenosine and pyrophosphoric acid, C 10 H 12 N 5 O 3 H 3 P 2 O 7 , derived from ATP, and serving to transfer energy during glycolysis.

2. Computers. automatic data processing: the processing of data by computers or related devices, using techniques that reduce human intervention to a minimum.

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ADP British  

noun

1. biochem adenosine diphosphate; a nucleotide derived from ATP with the liberation of energy that is then used in the performance of muscular work

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ADP Scientific  

/ ā′dē′pē′ /

1. Short for adenosine diphosphate. An organic compound that is composed of adenosine and two phosphate groups. With the addition of another phosphate group, it is converted to ATP for the storage of energy during cell metabolism. It then forms again, from ATP, when a phosphate group is removed to release energy. Chemical formula: C ₁₀ H ₁₅ N ₅ O ₁₀ P ₂ .

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Compare meaning

How does adp compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• ATP vs. ADP

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, only 2 in 10 workers feel confident their job is safe from elimination, according to ADP research released late last month.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Human-resources firm ADP said this week that it saw solid March job gains in the private sector.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

ADP reported the U.S. economy added 62,000 private-sector jobs in March, a slight decrease from February.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The data were released alongside a separate report showing that private payrolls grew by 62,000 in March, according to ADP, well above the consensus forecast of 40,000.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

So another cycle takes place — a cycle within a cycle: a molecule of ATP gives up one of its phosphate groups and retains only two, becoming a diphosphate molecule, ADP.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson