1 alpha-fetoprotein | Definition of alpha-fetoprotein
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

alpha-fetoprotein

noun
al·​pha-fe·​to·​pro·​tein | \ ˌal-fə-ˌfē-tō-ˈprō-ˌtēn How to pronounce alpha-fetoprotein (audio) , -ˈprō-tē-ən\

Definition of alpha-fetoprotein

: a fetal blood protein present abnormally in adults with some cancers (as of the liver) and normally in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women with high or low levels tending to be associated with certain birth defects (such as spina bifida or Down syndrome)

First Known Use of alpha-fetoprotein

1966, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for alpha-fetoprotein

alpha-fetoprotein

noun
variants: or α-fetoprotein or chiefly British alpha-foetoprotein or α-foetoprotein

Medical Definition of alpha-fetoprotein

: a fetal blood protein present abnormally in adults with some forms of cancer (as of the liver) and normally in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women but with very low levels tending to be associated with Down syndrome in the fetus and very high levels with neural tube defects (as spina bifida) in which the tube remains open

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!