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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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

See Examples For:

peptide

A single mutation in the chain of amino acids, the protein "building blocks," was enough to make the antimicrobial peptide substantially more effective.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 28, 2026

Mimrylo is an injectable peptide, partnered with Takeda.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026

It's taking action against peptide companies, influencers, compound pharmacies which manufacture the fake medication, and wellness clinics.

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026

Retatrutide, which is a peptide like most GLP-1–based drugs, is commonly referred to as “reta” or “ratatouille” online.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 12, 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