C-reactive protein

American  

[see-ree-ak-tiv] / ˈsi riˌæk tɪv /

noun

Biochemistry.

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

---

C-reactive protein Scientific  

/ 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.

---

Etymology

Origin of C-reactive protein

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

Example Sentences

Blood samples were also analyzed for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, a widely used marker of inflammation.

From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2026

C-reactive protein, a liver product that’s linked to inflammation, fell about 40% among those taking Wegovy.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 11, 2023

C-reactive protein or CRP: This blood test looks for elevated levels of C-reactive protein, which go up with inflammation.

From Washington Post • Jan. 9, 2023

The results demonstrated improvements in many variables related to cardio-metabolic health, such as blood cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin and C-reactive protein — a protein that increases in response to inflammation.

From Salon • Oct. 3, 2021

C-reactive protein is induced to be made by the liver and will opsonize certain species of bacteria.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013