phosphorylation
noun
phos·phor·y·la·tion
ˌfäs-ˌfȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən 
: the process of phosphorylating a chemical compound either by reaction with inorganic phosphate or by transfer of phosphate from another organic phosphate
especially
: the enzymatic conversion of carbohydrates into their phosphoric esters in metabolic processes
Examples of phosphorylation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tau molecules can attach to phosphate groups (molecules made up of oxygen and phosphorus) through a process called phosphorylation.
—
Robert Martone, Scientific American, 10 Oct. 2025
Nonetheless, the study’s findings suggest that tau phosphorylation isn’t inherently harmful.
—New Atlas, 30 June 2025
As the cell’s clean-up crew attempts to remove the clumps, a leading theory suggests that the abnormal tau induces phosphorylation in additional proteins leading to a cascade of neurodegeneration.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
Tau phosphorylation is a crucial process related to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
—Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Clec, Verywell Health, 17 Nov. 2023
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Robert Martone, Scientific American, 10 Oct. 2025
Nonetheless, the study’s findings suggest that tau phosphorylation isn’t inherently harmful.
—New Atlas, 30 June 2025
As the cell’s clean-up crew attempts to remove the clumps, a leading theory suggests that the abnormal tau induces phosphorylation in additional proteins leading to a cascade of neurodegeneration.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
Tau phosphorylation is a crucial process related to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
—Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Clec, Verywell Health, 17 Nov. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Phosphorylation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphorylation. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
phosphorylation
noun
phos·phor·y·la·tion
ˌfäs-ˌfȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən
: the process of phosphorylating a chemical compound either by reaction with inorganic phosphate or by transfer of phosphate from another organic phosphate
especially
: the enzymatic conversion of carbohydrates into their phosphoric esters in metabolic processes (as the conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate by ATP and hexokinase)
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