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

Compare meaning

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

• peptide vs. polypeptide

Example Sentences

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

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

The unique sequence and number of amino acids in a polypeptide chain is its primary structure.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

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