amide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “amide” mean?
A compound derived from ammonia by replacement of a hydrogen atom by a metal, or from an acid by replacement of the hydroxyl group by -NH₂, -NHR, or -NR₂.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A compound derived from ammonia by replacement of a hydrogen atom by a metal, or from an acid by replacement of the hydroxyl group by -NH₂, -NHR, or -NR₂.
Any member of a class of compounds containing the functional group -C(=O)N<. In biochemistry, the term often refers specifically to the amide linkage in proteins (peptide bond).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences in usage between British and American English for this highly technical term. Pronunciation differences follow general patterns.
Connotations
Purely scientific/technical term with no cultural or social connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in general language for both variants, used exclusively in chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “amide” in a Sentence
The amide is formed by...X reacts to form an amide.The amide group in...Hydrolysis of the amide yields...An amide containing...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amide” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The amide nitrogen is highly stable.
- Amide derivatives were synthesised.
American English
- The amide nitrogen is highly stable.
- Amide derivatives were synthesized.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used frequently in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and polymer science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Core term in organic chemistry and biochemistry. Essential in describing protein structure (amide bonds), polymer chemistry (e.g., nylon), and drug structures.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amide”
- Pronouncing it as /əˈmiːd/ or /ˈæm.ɪd/.
- Confusing 'amide' with 'imide' (a different compound with two acyl groups bound to nitrogen).
- Misspelling as 'amid' (a preposition).
- Using it as a verb or adjective in non-technical ways.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An amine has a nitrogen atom bonded to carbon groups (R-NH2). An amide has a nitrogen atom bonded to a carbonyl group (O=C-N). They are different functional classes.
Yes. The peptide bonds that link amino acids in all proteins are amide bonds. Many important natural products and some neurotransmitters also contain amide groups.
Both pronunciations are accepted, but there is a trend. /ˈæm.aɪd/ is more common in American English and among chemists, relating it to 'ammonia'. /ˈeɪ.maɪd/ is more common in British English, relating it to the 'acyl' part of the structure.
Yes. 'Amid' (or 'amidst') is a preposition meaning 'in the middle of' or 'during'. It is unrelated to the chemical term 'amide' and is pronounced /əˈmɪd/.
A compound derived from ammonia by replacement of a hydrogen atom by a metal, or from an acid by replacement of the hydroxyl group by -NH₂, -NHR, or -NR₂.
Amide is usually technical/scientific in register.
Amide: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeɪ.maɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæm.aɪd/ or /ˈeɪ.maɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Am-I' in 'amide' – I am a compound where nitrogen ('N') is bonded to a carbonyl (C=O). Link to 'ammonia' (source of the 'am-' part).
Conceptual Metaphor
Often conceptualized as a 'link' or 'bridge' (amide bond linking amino acids) or a 'functional group' (a specific team of atoms within a molecule).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes an amide functional group?