peptide

American  

[pep-tahyd] / ˈpɛp taɪd /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a compound containing two or more amino acids in which the carboxyl group of one acid is linked to the amino group of the other.

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peptide British  

/ ˈpɛptaɪd /

noun

1. any of a group of compounds consisting of two or more amino acids linked by chemical bonding between their respective carboxyl and amino groups See also peptide bond polypeptide

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peptide Scientific  

/ pĕp′tīd′ /

1. A chemical compound that is composed of a chain of two or more amino acids and is usually smaller than a protein. The amino acids can be alike or different. Many hormones and antibiotics are peptides.

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Etymology

Origin of peptide

1905–10; pept(ic) + -ide ( def. )

Compare meaning

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

• peptide vs. polypeptide

Example Sentences

Hims isn’t the only compounding pharmacy getting into the peptide business.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

However, one much smaller peptide, made up of only 12 amino acids, produced an even stronger response, boosting activity tenfold compared to control cells.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

This FDA list, known as “the bulks list,” is at the center of the ongoing peptide debate.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Unlike Wegovy or tirzepatide, which Lilly markets as Zepbound for obesity and as Mounjaro for Type 2 diabetes, orforglipron is not a peptide.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Moreover, he was privy to a discussion in which the fundamental blunder about the shape of the peptide bond was made.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson