noun

peptide

PEP-tyd

Quiz me More like this

Peptide (noun) means a compound made of amino acids linked together, formed when the amine group of one acid bonds with the carboxylic acid group of the next. Example: “The lab synthesised a short peptide to test the new binding assay.”

noun

technical A compound made of amino acids linked together, formed when the amine group of one acid bonds with the carboxylic acid group of the next.

"The lab synthesised a short peptide to test the new binding assay."

"Proteins are built from long chains of peptides."

"Researchers are studying a peptide that may help regulate appetite."

euphemistic Products marketed as containing such compounds and claimed by sellers to improve health or performance.

"He admitted taking peptides before the competition."

"The gym was rumoured to be a source for peptides among bodybuilders."

"Regulators warned about unproven peptides sold online."

How to use peptide

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA peptide is a small chain of amino acids, the building blocks that also make up proteins.

When to use it

The chemistry sense is technical, while talk of taking peptides for health or fitness is informal and often unproven.

Memory tip

Think of a peptide as a short protein fragment, several amino acids linked in a row.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

protein → peptone

Common pairings

synthesise a peptide peptide bond peptide chain take peptides

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like peptide.

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 “peptide” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The lab synthesised a short _____ to test the new binding assay.

Etymology

Peptide is linked to peptone, a term for partially broken-down protein, and to the German word Peptid. These trace back to Ancient Greek pepton, meaning cooked or digested, from a verb meaning to soften, boil or digest.

Origin: German

Rhymes for peptide

ide tide hide ride wide side bide aide elide amide abide slide

See all rhymes for peptide →

Frequently asked questions

What is a peptide?

It is a compound made of amino acids joined together by bonds between their amine and carboxylic acid groups.

What is the difference between a peptide and a protein?

Proteins are made of peptides linked into long chains, so a peptide is generally a shorter grouping of amino acids.

Why do people talk about taking peptides?

Some products marketed as peptides are sold with claims of health or performance benefits, though these claims are often unproven.

What is the meaning of peptide?

"peptide" (noun) means a compound made of amino acids linked together, formed when the amine group of one acid bonds with the carboxylic acid group of the next.