ATP

American  

[ey-tee-pee] / ˈeɪˈtiˈpi /

abbreviation

Biochemistry.

1. adenosine triphosphate: an ester of adenosine and triphosphoric acid, C 10 H 12 N 5 O 4 H 4 P 3 O 9 , formed especially aerobically by the reaction of ADP and an orthophosphate during oxidation, or by the interaction of ADP and phosphocreatine or certain other substrates, and serving as a source of energy for physiological reactions, especially muscle contraction.

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ATP ¹ British  

noun

1. adenosine triphosphate; a nucleotide found in the mitochondria of all plant and animal cells. It is the major source of energy for cellular reactions, this energy being released during its conversion to ADP. Formula: C 10 H 16 N 5 O 13 P 3

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ATP ² British  

abbreviation

1. advanced turboprop

2. Association of Tennis Professionals

3. automatic train protection: a safety system which automatically prevents a train from passing through a stop signal

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ATP Scientific  

/ ā′tē′pē′ /

1. Short for adenosine triphosphate. An organic compound, C ₁₀ H ₁₆ N ₅ O ₁₃ P ₃, that is composed of adenosine and three phosphate groups. It serves as a source of energy for many metabolic processes. ATP releases energy when it is broken down into ADP by hydrolysis during cell metabolism.

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ATP Cultural  

1. A key energy-carrying molecule in biological systems. It is produced in the body through the process of cell respiration and in plants through photosynthesis.

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Usage

What else does ATP mean? While it can stand for many things, the initialism ATP commonly stands for the Association of Tennis Professionals, the cell-powering chemical adenosine triphosphate, and at this point.

Etymology

Origin of ATP

First recorded in 1940–45

Compare meaning

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

• ATP vs. ADP

Example Sentences

The recently formed ATP - the governing body of men's tennis - said at the time that none of its members should compete if Pilic was banned.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

This rapid ATP regeneration is essential for tissues with high energy demands, including muscles, the heart and the brain.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

Bidding for his fourth ATP Masters 1000 title in a row, Sinner beat Norrie 6-2 7-5 in less than 90 minutes to extend his winning streak to 20 matches.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

They are key components of DNA and RNA, part of cell membranes, and central to ATP, the molecule that stores and transfers energy in cells.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

It may well be that some of the findings about diminished reproduction are also linked with interference with biological oxidation, and consequent depletion of the all-important storage batteries of ATP.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson