C-reactive protein

[ see-ree-ak-tiv ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a globulin that increases in concentration in the bloodstream during infectious states and other abnormal conditions. : CRP

C-reactive protein

/ sē′rē-ăk′tĭv /

1. An antibody found in the blood in certain acute and chronic conditions including infections and cancers. It is a nonspecific indicator of inflammation and therefore not diagnostic of any one disease.

Word History and Origins

Origin of C-reactive protein¹

First recorded in 1955–60; for C-polysaccharide, which is precipitated by this protein