Advertisement
Advertisement
interferon
[ in-ter-feer-on ]
noun
- Biochemistry. any of various proteins, produced by virus-infected cells, that inhibit reproduction of the invading virus and induce resistance to further infection.
- Also called al·pha-in·ter·fer·on [al, -f, uh, -in-ter-, feer, -on]. Pharmacology. an interferon produced by genetically engineered bacteria and harvested for use against hairy cell leukemia.
interferon
/ ˌɪntəˈfɪərɒn /
noun
- biochem any of a family of proteins made by cells in response to virus infection that prevent the growth of the virus. Some interferons can prevent cell growth and have been tested for use in cancer therapy
interferon
/ ĭn′tər-fîr′ŏn′ /
- Any of a group of glycoproteins that are involved in blocking viral replication in newly infected cells and are cytokines that modulate the body's immune response. Alpha interferon is used a treatment for viral hepatitis and certain cancers, such as leukemia. Beta interferon is used as a treatment for some types of multiple sclerosis.
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of interferon1
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of interferon1
C20: from interfere + -on
Discover More
Example Sentences
Or the time he smuggled the interferon through customs in a smoking briefcase full of dry ice.
From The Daily Beast
Advertisement
Word of the Day
[tawr-choo-uhs ]
Meaning and examplesStart each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!
By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse