C-reactive protein
[ see-ree-ak-tiv ]
nounBiochemistry.
a globulin that increases in concentration in the bloodstream during infectious states and other abnormal conditions. Abbreviation: CRP
Origin of C-reactive protein
1First 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
[ sē′rē-ăk′tĭv ]
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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