peptide

American  

[pep-tahyd] / ˈpɛp taɪd /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a compound containing two or more amino acids in which the carboxyl group of one acid is linked to the amino group of the other.

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peptide British  

/ ˈpɛptaɪd /

noun

1. any of a group of compounds consisting of two or more amino acids linked by chemical bonding between their respective carboxyl and amino groups See also peptide bond polypeptide

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peptide Scientific  

/ pĕp′tīd′ /

1. A chemical compound that is composed of a chain of two or more amino acids and is usually smaller than a protein. The amino acids can be alike or different. Many hormones and antibiotics are peptides.

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Etymology

Origin of peptide

1905–10; pept(ic) + -ide ( def. )

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Compare meaning

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

• peptide vs. polypeptide

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

peptide

Their goal was to find substances capable of stimulating neuronal activity, an early indication that a peptide might influence important brain processes.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 4, 2026

Insulin, one of the first peptide hormones to be discovered, helps people with Type 1 diabetes and some with Type 2 manage their blood sugar levels.

From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2026

Leerink analysts have estimated that with legalization, the peptide business for telehealth companies could reach $2 billion a year.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026

Before the first meeting of the advisers in July, the committee was restructured by Kennedy to include several experts with financial ties to the peptide business.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 28, 2026

Pauling had cracked the a-helix by ruthlessly following up his knowledge that the peptide bond was flat.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

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