de·phos·phor·y·la·tion
(ˌ)dē-ˌfäs-fȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən 
: the process of removing phosphate groups from an organic compound (such as ATP) by hydrolysis
also
: the resulting state
de·phos·pho·ryl·ate
(ˈ)dēˈfäsfərə̇ˌlāt
-ed/-ing/-s
: to remove the phosphate portion of (an organic compound of phosphoric acid) by hydrolysis (as with the aid of a phosphatase)
Examples of dephosphorylation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
New Atlas, 26 Jan. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
This dephosphorylation/deactivation serves as a negative feedback mechanism, preventing overstimulation of the pathway.
—New Atlas, 26 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dephosphorylation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dephosphorylation. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
dephosphorylation
noun
de·phos·phor·y·la·tion
(ˌ)dē-ˌfäs-ˌfȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən
: the process of removing phosphate groups from an organic compound (as ATP) by hydrolysis
also
: the resulting state
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
