fibronectin

[fahy-bruh-nek-tin]

noun Cell Biology.

a fibrous protein that binds to collagen, fibrin, and other proteins and also to the cell membranes, functioning as an anchor and connector.

Origin of fibronectin

1975–80; fibro- + Latin nect(ere) to bind, join together (see connect, nexus) + -in²

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

fibronectin in Medicine

fibronectin

[fī′brə-nĕk′tĭn]

n.

A fibrous linking protein that functions as a reticuloendothelial mediated host defense mechanism and is impaired by surgery, burns, infection, neoplasia, and disorders of the immune system.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

fibronectin in Science

fibronectin

[fī′brə-nĕk′tn]

Any of several glycoproteins that occur especially in plasma and in soft connective tissue. Fibronectins are important for the adhesion of fibrous extracellular tissue matrices and also play roles in cellular adhesion, embryonic cellular differentiation, phagocytosis, and the aggregation of platelets in blood clotting.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.