colony-stimulating factor

Save This Word!

noun

immunol any of a number of substances, secreted by the bone marrow, that cause stem cells to proliferate and differentiate, forming colonies of specific blood cells. Synthetic forms are being tested for their ability to reduce the toxic effects of chemotherapyAbbreviation: CSF

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for colony-stimulating factor

colony stimulating factor

Any of various glycoproteins that act to promote the production and differentiation of specific blood cell types. Colony stimulating factors circulate in the blood, acting as hormones, and are also secreted locally. An example is erythropoietin, which is produced in the kidney and regulates the formation of red blood cells from progenitor cells in the bone marrow.