noun

ATP

ay-tee-PEE

Quiz me More like this

ATP (noun) means a molecule that stores and carries chemical energy inside living cells, releasing it for muscle contraction, nerve signals and other processes when one of its phosphate groups is broken off. Example: “Mitochondria produce most of the ATP a cell needs.”

noun

A molecule that stores and carries chemical energy inside living cells, releasing it for muscle contraction, nerve signals and other processes when one of its phosphate groups is broken off.

"Mitochondria produce most of the ATP a cell needs."

"Sprinting burns through stored ATP within a few seconds."

How to use ATP

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe chemical your cells use to store and spend energy.

When to use it

Biology and biochemistry. Almost always written as the initialism, even in textbooks.

Memory tip

ATP is often called the cell's energy currency: it is spent and remade constantly rather than stockpiled.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

ADP AMP → adenosine

Common pairings

ATP production ATP synthase ATP molecule produce ATP

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like ATP.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “ATP” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Mitochondria produce most of the _____ a cell needs.

Etymology

An initialism of adenosine triphosphate.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

adenosine triphosphate

Frequently asked questions

What does ATP stand for?

Adenosine triphosphate. The name describes the structure: an adenosine unit with three phosphate groups attached, and it is the bond to the third phosphate that carries the usable energy.

What is the difference between ATP and ADP?

ADP, adenosine diphosphate, is what remains after a cell removes one phosphate from ATP and uses the released energy. Cellular respiration then reattaches a phosphate to turn ADP back into ATP, so the two cycle back and forth continuously.

What is the meaning of ATP?

"ATP" (noun) means a molecule that stores and carries chemical energy inside living cells, releasing it for muscle contraction, nerve signals and other processes when one of its phosphate groups is broken off.

What is another word for ATP?

Other words for "ATP" include adenosine triphosphate.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include ATP:

Words that end with P