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.

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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

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of polypeptide

First recorded in 1900–05; poly- + peptide

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Compare meaning

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

• peptide vs. polypeptide

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

polypeptide

The drug is described as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor and gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor dual agonist, with potential for once-weekly oral dosing.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 29, 2026

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

Glucose and insulin levels were measured, as were ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1 and pancreatic polypeptide -- hormones associated with the consumption of food.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 28, 2024

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

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 8, 2023

When Maurice asked whether we needed the molds back in Cambridge, we said yes, half implying that more carbon atoms were needed to make models showing how polypeptide chains turned corners.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

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