cyclic adenosine monophosphate: a constituent of biological cells, responsible for triggering processes that are dependent on hormones
cyclic AMP in American English
noun
Biochemistry
a cyclic anhydride of adenosine monophosphate formed from adenosine triphosphate by the action of adenylate cyclase: in cellular metabolism, it acts as an intracellular amplifier or second messenger of signals derived from hormones or neurotransmitters
Also called: cAMP, adenosine cyclic monophosphate
Word origin
[1965–70]This word is first recorded in the period 1965–70. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: double-book, isometric exercise, red-eye, stun gun, wraparound