ENGLISH
REFERENCE

peptide

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈpɛpˌtaɪd// UK //pˈɛptaɪd// pep·tide Humorous

n. a small molecule made of amino acids that helps your body perform different tasks. They are like shorter versions of proteins.

n. a short chain of amino acids linked by chemical bonds. Typically distinguished from proteins by having fewer than fifty amino acid residues.


SIMPLE

The scientist studied how the peptide affects skin cells.

CONTEXTUAL

Many modern skincare products include synthetic peptides to help the skin produce more collagen naturally.

COMPLEX

Research into antimicrobial peptides suggests they may provide a new way to fight bacteria that have become resistant to traditional antibiotics.

Origin

From peptone, partially hydrolyzed protein, or German Peptid, from German Pepton, from Ancient Greek πεπτόν (peptón, “cooked, digested”) derived from πέπτω (péptō, “soften, ripen, boil, cook, bake, digest”).

Usage

Commonly used in biological and chemical contexts; often modified by 'signal' or 'synthetic'.

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