alpha-fetoprotein

[ al-fuh-fee-toh-proh-teen, -tee-in ]
/ ˌæl fəˌfi toʊˈproʊ tin, -ti ɪn /

noun Biochemistry.

a serum protein produced during pregnancy, useful in the prenatal diagnosis of multiple births or birth defects. Abbreviation: AFP

Origin of alpha-fetoprotein

First recorded in 1970–75; alpha + fet(us) + -o- + protein

Words nearby alpha-fetoprotein

alpha-adrenergic receptor, alpha-amino acid, alpha-aminosuccinic acid, alpha-beta brass, alpha-blocker, alpha-fetoprotein, alpha-fucosidase, alpha-hemolytic streptococci, alpha-hydroxy acid, alpha-interferon, alpha-ketoglutaric acid

British Dictionary definitions for alpha-fetoprotein

alpha-fetoprotein
/ (ˌælfəˌfiːtəʊˈprəʊtiːn) /

noun

a protein that forms in the liver of the human fetus. Excessive quantities in the amniotic fluid and maternal blood may indicate spina bifida in the fetus; low levels may point to Down's syndrome Abbreviation: afp

Medical definitions for alpha-fetoprotein

alpha-fetoprotein

n.

An antigen produced in the fetal liver that can appear in certain diseases of adults, such as liver cancer, and whose level in amniotic fluid can be used to detect certain fetal abnormalities, including Down syndrome and spina bifida.

Scientific definitions for alpha-fetoprotein

alpha-fetoprotein
[ ăl′fə-fē′tō-prō′tēn ]

An antigen produced in the liver of a fetus that can appear in certain diseases of adults, such as liver cancer. Its level in amniotic fluid can be used in the detection of certain fetal abnormalities, including Down syndrome and spina bifida.