alpha-fetoprotein

American  

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

noun

Biochemistry.

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

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alpha-fetoprotein British  

/ ˌælfəˌfiːtəʊˈprəʊtiːn /

noun

1.  afp.  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

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alpha-fetoprotein Scientific  

/ ăl′fə-fē′tō-prō′tēn /

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of alpha-fetoprotein

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

Example Sentences

By measuring the levels of estriol, alpha-fetoprotein, and several other substances in a pregnant woman, the test assigns a certain probability to each defect.

From Slate • Oct. 19, 2011