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. )

Compare meaning

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

• peptide vs. polypeptide

Example Sentences

But online, peptide sellers are offering “research-only” versions; in online forums, it is being referred to by nicknames like “reta” and “ratatouille.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Look at the amount of people that are like, “I was in a noise band, then I was a house DJ, then I started making modular synth techno, and then I started doing peptide podcasts.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Closing peptide chains into rings has traditionally required complex and costly chemical techniques, especially when attempted late in drug development.

From Science Daily • Apr. 28, 2026

The telehealth provider, which made a name for itself in the business of weight-loss drugs, has indicated it was looking to enter the peptide business.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 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