tumor necrosis factor

noun

a protein, produced in humans and other animals, that is destructive to cells showing abnormally rapid growth: identical with cachectin. Abbreviation: TNF

Words nearby tumor necrosis factor

tumor angiogenic factor, tumor antigen, tumor burden, tumor lysis syndrome, tumor marker, tumor necrosis factor, tumor stage, tumor suppressor gene, tumor virus, tumor-specific transplantation antigen, tumoricidal

Medical definitions for tumor necrosis factor

tumor necrosis factor

n.

A protein that is produced in the presence of an endotoxin, especially by monocytes and macrophages, is able to attack and destroy tumor cells, and exacerbates chronic inflammatory diseases.

Scientific definitions for tumor necrosis factor

tumor necrosis factor

A protein that is produced by monocytes and macrophages and is able to attack and destroy tumor cells. It can also exacerbate certain chronic inflammatory diseases.