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growth factor

American  

noun

  1. any of various proteins that promote the growth, organization, and maintenance of cells and tissues.


growth factor British  

noun

  1. any of several substances present in serum that induce growth of cells. Excessive amounts of growth factor may be associated with the production of cancer cells

"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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Rather than simply delaying further loss, the herb appears to encourage regrowth by influencing multiple growth factors and signaling pathways involved in the hair cycle.

From Science Daily

Earlier efforts to rejuvenate the immune system have often focused on sending T cell growth factors through the bloodstream, but that approach can cause harmful side effects.

From Science Daily

"Many of the cyst-lining cells actually make growth factors and they secrete them into the cyst fluid," he explained.

From Science Daily

Using this same yeast species, first isolated in France in 1950, the researchers also plan to produce an endothelial growth factor called CdtVEGF.

From Science Daily

Rich in protein growth factors, they can stimulate the healing process.

From BBC