C-reactive protein

[ see-ree-ak-tiv ]

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

Origin of C-reactive protein

1
First recorded in 1955–60; for C-polysaccharide, which is precipitated by this protein

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

Scientific definitions for C-reactive protein

C-reactive protein

[ 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.

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