polypeptide

American  

[pol-ee-pep-tahyd, -tid] / ˌpɒl iˈpɛp taɪd, -tɪd /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds and having a molecular weight of up to about 10,000.

---

polypeptide British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈpɛptaɪd /

noun

1. any of a group of natural or synthetic polymers made up of amino acids chemically linked together; this class includes the proteins See also peptide

---

polypeptide Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-pĕp′tīd′ /

1. A peptide, such as a small protein, containing many molecules of amino acids, typically between 10 and 100.

---

Etymology

Origin of polypeptide

First recorded in 1900–05; poly- + peptide

Compare meaning

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

• peptide vs. polypeptide

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

polypeptide

The Irish economy expanded by 12.3% in 2025 as it benefited from a surge in demand for polypeptide hormones, a key component of weight-loss drugs, particularly from the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026

The central bank expects demand for polypeptide hormones to steady in coming quarters, and has a similar outlook for GDP.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026

Meanwhile, when NS3pro detects a viral polypeptide to cut, it forces the complex into the closed conformation, becoming a protease.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 8, 2023

Tirzepatide targets a second hormone, called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, or GIP.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 8, 2023

He was already in the Cavendish when Bragg had become keen about how a polypeptide chain folded up.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson